With support from WHO, the Ministry of Health to rollout Mobile Phone-Based Surveillance System to every health facility in South Sudan

Dr. Boris Pavlin, WHO Epidemiologist demonstrates the use of an EWARS mobile phone during the training

15 February 2019, Juba – In 2016, with support from WHO and partners, South Sudan was the first country in the world to roll out “EWARS in a box,” the early warning, alert and response system (EWARS) that permitted mobile phone-based reporting of priority outbreak-prone diseases from a number of partner-supported health facilities in the conflict-affected areas of the country. 

WHO reaffirms support to improve health and well-being of Algerians

Dr Moeti visits a pharmaceutical plant in Algeirs, Algeria
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has re-affirmed WHO’s support to improve the health and well-being of Algerians. She made the remarks during a courtesy call on His Excellency Ahmed Ouyahia, Prime Minister of the Republic of Algeria.

A pivotal moment demanding urgent action on ‘Food Safety’: Unsafe food is unacceptable

Dr. Tedros Adhanom, WHO Director General during his opening speech
The First FAO/WHO/AU International Food Safety Conference started today in Addis Ababa in Mandela hall of the African Union Headquarters conference center. This joint conference brought together Ministers of Health, Ministers of Agriculture, leading scientific experts, partner agencies as well as representatives of consumers, food producers and distributors. The conference aimed to identify key actions and strategies to address current and future challenges to food safety globally and to strengthen commitment at the highest political level to scale up food safety in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

WORLD CANCER DAY 2019: ‘I Am And I Will’. A Call for Personal Commitment And Action To Fight Cancer

Dr B. Ori, Director Health Services, Dr Hon. A. Husnoo, Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Dr L. Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius and the Lord Major of the Municipal Council of Port Louis, Mr Daniel Eric Clive Laurent attending the official launching of activities in the context of the World Cancer Day 2019
Every year the World Cancer Day is marked globally on 4th of February to raise awareness and educate the population across the globe about cancer and unite efforts be it governments or individuals to take action against the disease to save millions of preventable deaths.  In Mauritius, the World Cancer Day was marked this year under the theme ‘I Am And I Will’ on 12 February 2019 at Roche Bois Social Welfare Centre.  On this occasion, Dr Hon. Anwar Husnoo, Minister of Health and Quality of Life launched a series of activities in view of sensitizing people on the prevention and control of cancer in the country.  Eminent personalities namely the Lord Major of the Municipal Council of Port Louis, Mr Daniel Eric Clive Laurent and Dr Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius were present during the official launching of the activities. Dr Hon.  A.  Husnoo , in his speech, stated his appreciation that a large number of people was attending the launching of activities and he added that ‘this is an indication that people are aware of the magnitude of the problem and they show their interest  in participating in the  national prevention and control programme against cancer that is being carried out by the Ministry.’  Right at the start, the Health Minister expressed his concern on the rising number of new cancer cases in Mauritius.  According to the Cancer Registry, there were 2500 new cases of cancer in 2015 and the number of death due to cancer has also increased.  In fact, 13.3% of deaths in 2015 in Mauritius were due to cancer and in Rodrigues, the figure was 14.3%. 

Universal Health Coverage: leaving no one behind in the Kingdom of Eswatini

Dr Juliet Nabyonga from Inter- country Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa making a presentation

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scoping exercise in the Kingdom of Eswatini from 28 January to 1 February 2019. The exercise was led by the Ministry of Health with participation of other stakeholders. Dr Juliet Nabyonga from Inter- country Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, Dr Stanley Midzi from Zimbabwe country office, Dr. Akin. Oyemakinde, a consultant and Dr Khosi Mthethwa, the Health Systems Strengthening focal point in Eswatini WHO country office provided the required technical support for the exercise.

South Sudan conducts an Ebola Tabletop Exercise

The NRRT testing the SoPs and activation and deployment mechanisms

12 February 2019, Juba – South Sudan conducted an Ebola virus disease (EVD) Tabletop exercise (TTX) for National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) on 12 February 2019. The exercise aimed at enhancing NRRT’s operational readiness by familiarizing participants with the EVD Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Rapid Response Team (RRT) activation, deployment and field investigation procedures. It also provided participants with an opportunity to evaluate current capabilities and resources for prompt deployment in response to any suspected EVD case. 

WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health integrates WASH and early childhood development in Inpatient Therapeutic Nutrition programs in South Sudan

Verification of contents of the ECD kits in the WHO warehouse

8 February 2019, Juba – Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is one of the main causes of illness and death among under-five children in South Sudan. In 2019, nearly 260 000 young children are estimated to suffer severe acute malnutrition and, at least, 10 to 15 percent are expected to develop medical complications which can impede intellectual potential and inhibit physical growth, resulting in increased risk of lifelong disability.

Uganda Health Workers Respond Swiftly to a Suspected Ebola Death

Foot-baths in Chlorine solution are installed at all Points of Entry to prevent importation of Ebola into Uganda

Kampala, 12th February 2019: - Ugandan health workers have yet again acted with swiftness to respond to a suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the body repatriated to Uganda by relatives for burial. 

Ethiopia Launches Measles Vaccine Second Dose (MCV2) Introduction: Over 3.3 million children will receive the vaccine annually

Gavi Board Chair, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivering remark during MCV2 launch
Addis Ababa 11th Feb. 2019: Ethiopia launched measles vaccine second dose (MCV2) vaccination into the routine immunization programme in the second year of life. The official launching was celebrated at Wolenchity Health Center, Bosete Woreda of Oromia Region on 11th February 2019. The launching event was attended by Government higher officials and representativeness from different stakeholders and partners including Gavi, the Vacine Aliance, the Global Fund, WHO and UNICEF.