Eastern DRC’s crisis devastating lives of millions and putting the health system on the brink.

^{By Vivian Mugarisi}

Rukwa- More than 3 million children in six border regions are receiving vaccination in Tanzania against polio from 21st to 24th September 2023, following its recent resurgence after seven years of no recorded cases. The regions include Rukwa, Katavi, Mbeya, Kagera, Songwe and Kigoma.

Her perpetually moist eyes radiated intense sorrow. She is reserved. She does not say much before returning to her continuous quiet. Senayit, a young mother of three children, will never forget the day her daughter Hanna was raped.

At dusk, Senayit had asked Hanna, who was just 13 years old, to get milk for her younger sisters, but she had no luck! She returned with a blood-stained cloth and a broken heart.

In a momentous event at the Kitwe Teaching Hospital grounds, healthcare professionals, patients and community members joined the Ministry of Health, WHO and partner organizations to commemorate World Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2023. Under the theme “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety,” the day’s activities emphasized the crucial role that patients, families and caregivers play in ensuring their own safety and that of others within the healthcare system.

Message of WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti                        

Lilongwe - Malawi is running a second phase of a national polio vaccination campaign targeting over 9.5 million children below the age of 15 years in all districts of Malawi running from 13th to 16th September. Immunizing all children including those that previously received in the past.