Banjul, The Gambia - On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) Gambia Office commemorated the 75th anniversary of the WHO, reflecting on its birth in 1948 and the tremendous achievements that have shaped global health over the past seven decades. Established with the vision to promote health, ensure global safety, and serve the vulnerable, WHO has been instrumental in advancing the highest level of health and well-being for everyone, everywhere.

In order to advance the implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization, (WHO) recently conducted a multi-sectoral resource mapping exercise to facilitate the identification of financial and technical resources, needs, and gaps in Leribe District. A total of 291 operational NAPHS activities have been identified from the different technical areas with a total NAPHS cost of $53, 277,248.

By Vivian Mugarisi

After surviving cholera following treatment at Chakohwa Clinic in Buhera, Manicaland Province a few weeks ago, Melissa Chagwina** is taking the hygiene gospel to her village. “I have no plans of becoming a Village Health Worker yet but after my ordeal, maybe someday. For now, I take time to encourage my community on the importance of hand hygiene, use clean water and follow the advice from health workers to stay safe,” she said.

The Ministry of Health, Cancer Unit has recorded 577 cases of cancer between January 2023 and June 2023, 33 of which are cancers of the breast. While many cancer patients in middle-income countries succumb to the disease, 50-year-old Fikile Hlatjwayo is lucky to have survived the deadly disease. Hlatjwayo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and started treatment, which at that time was only available in South Africa through the Phalala Fund.

Banjul, The Gambia – In a landmark event held in The Gambia, a four-day capacity-building workshop on integrated polio surveillance recently concluded, signaling a pivotal moment in the African Region's commitment to eradicating the polio virus. The workshop aimed to equip participants with advanced skills and strategies necessary for the early detection and swift response to polio cases across the continent.

ONDJIVA, CUNENE - Today, 13th October 2023, the second round of the national polio campaign was inaugurated in Ondjiva, Cunene. The launch witnessed the presence of the Secretary of State for Public Health, Professor Carlos Pinto de Sousa, representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Silvia Lutucuta. He was joined by the Vice-Governor for Political, Social, and Economic Sectors of Cunene, Apolo Ndinoulenga.

Malaria poses a significant health burden in Sierra Leone, with high transmission rates year-round. Children under five and pregnant women are mostly affected, leading to severe illness and death. The disease strains healthcare resources, hinders economic productivity, and challenges access to care, particularly in remote areas. Sierra Leone implements preventive measures and collaborates with global health partners to combat malaria, but challenges persist, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address this threat to public health.

The WHO is working hand in hand with the Luanda Provincial Health Directorate to intensify social mobilisation initiatives for the second round of polio vaccination, which will take place from 13 to 16 October. With the support of the WHO, various advocacy and engagement initiatives with communities and key partners, and the dissemination of information through different channels, are being carried out to ensure everyone's participation and leave no child behind without vaccination. Vaccinating saves lives!

On October 10, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa attended the World Mental Health Day (WMHD) commemoration hosted by the National Department of Health. The event took place at Madadeni Hospital in Newcastle within the KwaZulu-Natal Province to mark World Mental Health Day.