Workshop Highlights the Sustainability of the National Health System in Angola (WHO)
Luanda, 13 May 2024– The World Health Organization (WHO) participated in a workshop on Financing for the Sustainability of the National Health Service. The event was organised by the Angolan Ministry of Health (MINSA) and saw the participation of senior officials and technicians from MINSA, hospital managers, technical staff from the Ministry of Finance, and academics from the Faculty of Economics.
WHO and 11 Non – State Actors collaborate to advance health services in Tanzania (WHO)
Dar es Salaam : The World Health Organization (WHO) has signed a 2-year long memorandum of understanding (MoU) with eleven non-state actors to advance health services and accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage countrywide.
Working with the communities to fight against meningitis (WHO)
Damaturu, 14 May, 2024 - For yet another year, Nigeria is facing an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis strain C. While medical interventions are crucial, an equally vital aspect of the response lies in grassroots engagement to safeguard the health of the public. Leveraging this, the World Health Organization (WHO collaborated with Yobe State Government to engage local leadership and grassroots participation to drive the community sensitization and awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak.
Timely outbreak response, enhanced surveillance halts wild poliovirus transmission in Southern Africa (WHO)
After a thorough evaluation, an independent Polio Outbreak Response Assessment Team (OBRA), which rigorously assessed various facets of the polio outbreak response, has concluded that there is no evidence of ongoing wild polio transmission in Mozambique and Malawi.
Strengthening capacities for Infection Prevention and control; a huge push towards reduced outbreaks (WHO)
In an effort to protect communities from diseases resulting from environmental and health setting contamination, the Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has embarked on an ambitious mission.
Saving lives and empowering communities in South Sudan’s remote areas: Akon's journey from despair to hope (WHO)
In the dusty outskirts of Nyamlel in Aweil West County, Northern Bahr el Gazal State, a grandmother's desperate plea for her granddaughter's life echoed through the corridors of a stabilization center. Akon Ayom, a 30-month-old girl, lay motionless, her body swollen from malnutrition, her spirit fading with each passing day.
Ethiopia's Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) (WHO)
In a recent workshop held in Ethiopia, key stakeholders convened to develop the country's Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2024-2028 with the support of the Pandemic Fund. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, marks a significant step towards enhancing the nation's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.
Combating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Liberia: Nearly 2 million people to benefit from to Mass Drug Administration against lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis in endemic counties (WHO)
Monrovia, 10 May, In a concerted effort to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and enhance public health in Liberia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated a consignment of Albendazole and Praziquantel tablets to the Ministry of Health to be used for the prevention and treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths, and Schistosomiasis, targeting more than 2 million people in endemic counties through Mass
Combating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Liberia: Nearly 2 million people to benefit from Mass Drug Administration against lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis in endemic counties (WHO)
United Against Polio: Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off in Liberia (WHO)
Monrovia,Liberia, May 10 – The Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners has commenced a four-day nationwide polio campaign, which begins on May 10, 2024, with the aim of responding to an outbreak of the circulating vaccine derived polio virus type 2. This crucial campaign is conducted concurrently with Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.
Ramping up cervical cancer screening in Zimbabwe (WHO)
Chinhoyi - Meet Mary Mungwere.
São Tomé e Príncipe celebrou o Dia Mundial de Luta contra o Paludismo (WHO)
The celebration of 2024 African Vaccination Week was launched on 3rd May in the community of Madalena, in the district of Mé-zochi.
Celebration of 50th anniversary of the Expanded Immunization Programmme in Sao Tome and Principe (WHO)
The celebration of 2024 African Vaccination Week was launched on 3rd May in the community of Madalena, in the district of Mé-zochi.
Saving lives in northwest Nigeria with the new MenFive vaccines (WHO)
Dutse, 8 May, 2024 - It was around 10 am when 55-year-old Usman Alasan, with his megaphone got to the nomadic settlement of Dongawaki, located at Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area (LGA), in Jigawa State, to announce the arrival of the vaccination team. A few minutes later, Ramatu Ali, a mother of five, who had also lost her 12-year-old son Ambali, to meningitis some weeks earlier, left her chores to gather all the children in her compound to the vaccination post situated opposite her home.
Protecting families against malaria using Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (WHO)
Abuja, 8 May, 2024 - Malaria remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, where the disease is endemic. For many families in Nigeria, the threat of mosquito bites poses a constant risk, impacting both their health and financial stability. However, the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) has been a game-changer, especially for families like that of Mr Unguwar Ayuba, residing in Maikunkele locality, Niger State.
Enhancing capacity for malaria vaccine introduction and rollout in Africa through experience sharing (WHO)
As part of efforts to support the wider introduction and rollout of the malaria vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH and other partners convened stakeholders from Nigeria, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia to learn from Ghana’s malaria vaccination experience on 16-18 April in Accra, Ghana, and ensure adequate preparation towards new introductions and rollout across these countries.
Rapid response bring relief to flood-affected communities in Kenya (WHO)
Nairobi ‒ This year’s long rainy season, which typically lasts from March to May every year, has hit Kenya hard, with unexpected heavy rainfall and widespread flooding since mid-April. Over 286 000 people have been affected, 47 000 households displaced and 238 deaths have been reported in 37 of the country’s 47 counties.
High hopes for Mauritian obesity roadmap (WHO)
Mauritius recently made a significant step forward in its ongoing struggle against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
HeRAMS workshop strengthens healthcare decision-making and resilience in Afar Ethiopia (WHO)
In Semera-Logoa City on May 1st and 2nd, 2024, the Ministry of Health, the Afar Regional Health Bureau, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and the World Health Organization (WHO), collaborated to interpret the final report of the Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) for Afar, Ethiopia. This collaborative effort, attended by 55 participants from various government offices and partner organizations, focused on validating and analyzing HeRAMS data to enhance informed decision-making in healthcare.
African region’s first-ever health workforce investment charter launched (WHO)
Windhoek – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and partner organizations today launched the region’s first-ever health investment charter that aims to align and drive sustainable investment in the health workforce.
Namibia reaches key milestone in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B (WHO)
Windhoek – Namibia has become the first country in Africa – and the first high-burden country in the world - to reach a significant milestone on the path towards eliminating vertical mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and viral hepatitis B. Eastern and Southern Africa is home to more than half the world’s HIV burden and Africa accounts for two thirds of new hepatitis B infections globally. Namibia is home to more than 200 000 people living with HIV and new infections disproportionately impact females.
Integration of Public Health Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) for Effective Health Emergency Response (WHO)
In the face of global health emergencies, timely and effective response measures are critical for saving lives and mitigating the impact of crises. A significant step towards achieving this goal occurred during a consultation meeting including WHO, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and other partners on April 21st and 22nd, 2024, in Addis Ababa. Experts from both RRTs and EMTs convened to explore the possibility of integrating these programs at the national and sub-national levels.
First-Line Support for Gender-Based Violence Survivors: Success in Mekelle (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau, has made significant strides in providing first-line support (FLS) for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors in the Tigray region. In November and December 2023, 350 health extension workers (HEWs) based in Tigray participated in specialized training designed to equip them with the skills necessary to offer practical care and emotional support to survivors, all while respecting their privacy and dignity.
H6 Joint Mission Concludes Visit to Liberia, Calls for Urgent Action to Reduce Maternal and Newborn Mortality (WHO)
Expanding vaccination reach through integrated services in Eswatini (WHO)
Mbabane – It was an enormous relief to mother Jabumkhaliphi Sifundza when her ten-year-old daughter, Nozweno, was vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). She’d heard about the vaccine on social media and wanted to do everything possible to protect Nozweno from cervical cancer.
Seychelles celebrates 50 years of saving children’s lives through immunization (WHO)
Victoria ‒ Matteo Pragassen is almost a year old and his mother, Diane Uranie, has brought him to the Beau Vallon health centre in Victoria, Seychelles' capital, for his measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. Shortly after arrival, nurse Brigitte Mathiot deftly administers the shot, and it is all over.
South Sudan commemorates 50 Years of Immunization with 2024 African Immunization Week - Humanly Possible: Immunization for All (WHO)
Juba, 30 April 2024 - This year, as the world commemorates World Immunization Week from April 24 to April 30, South Sudan joins the global community in celebrating the monumental 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This milestone highlights the transformative power of vaccines, which have significantly decreased child mortality rates globally. They lead to elevated health standards by reducing or eradicating the prevalence of critical diseases, such as eradicating smallpox and reducing the wild poliovirus to two countries.