The African region reinforces preparedness for novel coronavirus

The African region reinforces preparedness for novel coronavirus

Brazzaville, 5 February 2020 – While there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus reported in the African region, the World Health Organization (WHO) is strengthening its support to countries in the detection and management of suspect cases and in ensuring a robust response, should a first case be detected.

South Sudan launches a nationwide campaign to protect 2.5 million children against measles

Mothers and babies aged between 0 and 5 years are lining up in Al Sabah Children Hospital waiting for the measles vaccine, Vitamin A and deworming

Juba, 4 February 2020 – With the aim of vaccinating 2.5 million children against measles, a nationwide vaccination campaign is kicked off today. The campaign is a cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other partners.  In addition to the vaccine, the children will also receive vitamin A supplement and deworming tablets.

Mauritius Launched Its ‘National Roadmap Framework’ In View Of Improving Maternal, Newborn And Child Health

Dr Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius receiving a copy of the National Roadmap Framework To improve Maternal, Newborn and Child Health from Mrs. Shabina Lotun, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Wellness
Dr Bhoshan Ori, Director Health Services of the Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the National Roadmap Framework to Improve Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, developed in collaboration with WHO, at the Gold Crest Hotel in Quatre Bornes on 03 February 2020. The Roadmap aims at promoting a woman-centred as well as an evidence-based approach.  Prior to the development of the Roadmap, the Ministry of Health and Wellness conducted an intensive consultation with stakeholders to facilitate implementation.

Eritrea Strengthening Preparedness to 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

DG Public health presenting the preparedness status of the 2019-nCoV

Asmara, 2 February 2020 - The Ministry of Health as guided and in collaboration with WHO has commenced conduct of relevant activities in relation to the preparedness against the novel coronavirus which started in China at the end of Dec 2019. Today, on the 31 January 2020, the MOH has organized a briefing session at the Minister’s Office for health stakeholders including the UN Agencies.

Rwanda hastens safety measures against novel coronavirus

Minister of Health, Dr Diane Gashumba in Press Conference

Kigali, Rwanda, January 31, 2020 – The Ministry of Health reminded Rwanda citizens to be more vigilant on preventing novel coronavirus following the World Health Organization’s declaration addressing novel coronavirus as a “public health emergency of international concern".

WHO ramps up preparedness for novel coronavirus in the African region

Passenger screening at Maya Maya International airport, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) is scaling up novel coronavirus preparedness efforts in the African region and supporting countries to implement recommendations outlined by the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, which met in Geneva, Switzerland on 30 January. On the advice of the Emergency Committee, the WHO Director-General, declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). 

South Sudan strengthens port health services to ensure compliance with the international standards

Honorable Dr Riek Gai Kok, Minister of Health launching the thermal scanner

Juba, 31 January 2020 – In an effort to strengthen port health services, South Sudan has set up thermal scanner at Juba International Airport to enhance capacities of detecting potential public health emergencies of international concern in compliance to the regional and international health standards.  

Under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), Member States are required to establish and maintain emergency response capacities at designated airports and ground crossings to preserve public health security.