WHO and International Federation of Red Cross strengthen collaboration in Africa

WHO and International Federation of Red Cross strengthen collaboration in Africa
The Regional Offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have agreed to intensify their partnership and improve health in communities across Africa. Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, IFRC Regional Director met with Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa during a one day official visit to the regional headquarters on 7 May, 2018 in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo.

Strengthening the implementation of International Health Regulations 2005 in the Kingdom of Eswatini

The JEE team

The Kingdom of Eswatini is a small country with a population of just over 1 million. Fortunately the country has not experienced any large-scale emergencies recently. However the government of Eswatini volunteered to undertake the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) to identify its gaps in emergency preparedness, detection and response and improve on its strengths. This is highly commendable. The JEE process started in February and was concluded in April 2018. The evaluation was completed in two stages.

Ethiopia launched the 8th African Vaccination Week

L to R: Prof. Yemane Berhan, H.E. Dr Kebede Worku, Dr Ephrem T. and Mulat Negus
Addis Ababa 23rd April 2018: The national African Vaccination Week launching in Ethiopia conducted with a press conference held at Hilton Addis Hotel in the presence of government higher officials, partners and different Media. The event was started by a brief presentation made by Federal Ministry of Health focusing on the objectives of the African Vaccination week, familiarization of the newly improved Maternal and Child Health card (Immunization card), which was also launched on this event as well as the next immunization priority directions.

Largest cholera vaccine drive in history to target spike in outbreaks

Largest cholera vaccine drive in history to target spike in outbreaks
A spate of cholera outbreaks across Africa has prompted the largest cholera vaccination drive in history, with more than two million people across the continent set to receive oral cholera vaccine (OCV).                                                                                                  The vaccines, funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, were sourced from the global stockpile and are being used to carry out five major campaigns in Zambia, Uganda, Malawi, South Sudan and Nigeria. The campaigns, which will be completed by mid-June, are being implemented by the respective Ministries of Health supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), and mostly in reaction to recent cholera outbreaks.

WHO supports six African countries conduct first joint health emergency operations exercise

WHO supports six African countries conduct first joint health emergency operations exercise
With the increasing threat of health emergencies crossing borders, six African countries are building their capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to acute emergencies. Together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners, the Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action is hosting a regional simulation exercise, which will include Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia from 8-9 May 2018.

New Ebola outbreak declared in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Vue partielle de l’Unité de virologie et de l'immunologie Moléculaires de l'Institut national de recherche biomédicale (INRB) de Kinshasa. OMS/Eugene Kabambi
8 May 2018 News Release Geneva/Brazzaville/Kinshasa The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Bikoro in Equateur Province today (8 May 2018). The outbreak declaration occurred after laboratory results confirmed two cases of EVD.

Ministry of Health and Wellness holds a national stakeholders’ consultation on Quality Health Care Services for Adolescents and Youth

Left to Right (clockwise from top): Ms Segotso (UNFPA Asst Rep), Dr Seipone (DPS - MoHW), Dr Ovberedjo (WR Botswana), Dr Bodo (WHO Uganda), Dr Desta (WHO AFRO IST/ESA) and Dr Baltag (WHO HQ) during the debriefing session

Gaborone, Botswana - 4 May 2018: The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) of the Republic of Botswana, in collaboration with UNFPA and WHO, convened a national stakeholders’ consultation meeting on the draft national standards for quality health care services for adolescents and youth from 2 to 4 May, 2018. The UNFPA Office in Botswana led in the conduct of the situation analysis of adolescent and youth health in Botswana, which informed the domestication of the WHO/UNAIDS global standards for quality of health care services for adolescents.

Helping midwives be the best they can be

WHO has supported the training of midwives through improvements in the national curriculum and the rollout of the EmONC programme

FREETOWN, May 5 2018 - Midwives everywhere have jobs that truly matter, but in Sierra Leone, their role is even more demanding. The country has among the highest rates of maternal and newborn deaths globally, and it is estimated that as many as eight mothers in the country lose their lives every single day.