Programmes and Clusters News

21 November 2024 | Mpox (monkeypox)

Enhanced control measures helping to control mpox outbreak in Africa

More than 13 000 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases have been reported in the African region since the start of 2024, as of 17 November. Three countries – Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda - account for approximately 97% of all reported cases so far this year. From reinforcing outbreak control measures including health worker training, to the delivery of medical supplies and equipment, and to the development of vaccine deployment plans, World Health Organization (WHO) is providing critical technical and financial support to countries to effectively respond to and end the mpox outbreaks in the region.

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20 November 2024 | Antimicrobial Resistance

Urgent action needed to tackle growing antimicrobial resistance threat in African region

Despite notable strides made in African countries, an accelerated response to the burgeoning threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is critical to avert predictions of 4.1 million related deaths annually by 2050, with severe consequences for health care and economic stability.

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9 November 2024 | Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever

Rwanda begins countdown to declare Marburg outbreak over

Rwanda has discharged the last Marburg virus disease patient, kicking off the mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the end of the outbreak. The country has reported no new confirmed cases since 30 October 2024.

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9 November 2024 | Mpox (monkeypox)

WHO, Africa CDC support 17 countries to develop mpox vaccination plans

Brazzaville – World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) experts gathered in Brazzaville this week with country representatives and partners to provide guidanc…

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6 November 2024 | Noncommunicable Diseases

WHO Equips Journalists to Spotlight Critical Health Insights from 2023 Ghana's STEPS Report

In public health, data serves as a critical foundation for understanding challenges and making informed decisions. Without clear, accurate information, it’s difficult for individuals and communities to take meaningful action, and policymakers to devise and implement effective solutions. Recognizing this need, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Health, organized a media training ahead of the Ghana STEPS Survey 2023 report launch to ensure its findings are communicated to Ghanaians in accessible and impactful ways.

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31 October 2024 | Immunization Malaria

The Democratic Republic of the Congo introduces R21 malaria vaccine

The health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today introduced the R21 malaria vaccine into the national immunization programme, adding a crucial tool to complement existing malaria control measures to protect and save the lives of young children.

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31 October 2024 | Climate Change

African health ministers, delegates adopt declaration on climate change and health

Health ministers and delegates from 20 African countries today adopted a landmark declaration to enhance climate resilience within health systems and address the profound health impacts of climate change on the continent.

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28 October 2024 | HIV/AIDS Hepatitis

HIV and Hepatitis Program Managers meet in Kampala to discuss how to close gaps in programmes and integrate NCDs and Mental Health services

Ministries of Health representatives from sixteen countries , WHO and partner organizations (including civil society and community representatives) convened in Kampala, Uganda from 28 October to 01 November to discuss how to close gaps in programmes and integrate NCDs and Mental Health services.

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