Government commends WHO for swift response to contain Lassa fever in Edo state
Benin, 20 February 2018 - As the Lassa fever outbreak continues in Edo, one of the three most affected states (others are Ondo and Ebonyi) in 2018; the Commissioner for Health Dr David Osifo, has applauded World Health Organization’s (WHO) response to contain the outbreak.
WHO and the health cluster support the response to the suspected food poisoning in Bor South County in South Sudan
Juba, 19 February 2018 – Following an alert of suspected food poisoning on 18 February 2018, where one community death and an influx of over 400 patients were admitted at Bor State Hospital, and several others in private facilities within Bor town, WHO and the health cluster quickly mounted a response to support the Ministry of Health to treat those who were admitted.
WHO moves to contain Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak
Experts agree on guidelines to boost vaccine uptake through improved communication
Rwanda Immunization success story
Context and Issue
• Rwanda suffered a catastrophic genocide against the Tutsis in 1994
• This disaster and the ensuing war resulted in total disruption of the country’s health system including immunization service delivery.
• Following this incident, the national immunization coverage was very low (less than 30% in 1995) and incidence of vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) was high (e.g 28,000 measles cases in 1995);
• Only 6 traditional vaccines were provided in routine immunization programme in 1994.
WHO contribution
WHO supports Borno state to reach 13 500 households with health messages that save lives
Maiduguri, 16 February 2018 - With multiple disease outbreaks looming in north-east Nigeria, World Health Organization (WHO) recently partnered with the Borno State Ministry of Health and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to reach 13 500 households and shared key messages on health to save lives.
The goal of the house-to-house outreach effort was to share practical health messages on ensuring children receive routine vaccinations, along with guidance on preventing the spread of certain diseases endemic to the area and best practices for hygiene.
Nursing Now campaign to empower and support nurses in meeting 21st century health challenges
WHO reaches returnees and displaced families with lifesaving supplies and services in the former Central Equatoria State of South Sudan
Juba, 15 February 2018 – WHO and partners are responding to an influx of more than 15 000 returnees from Uganda and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bungu, Kuli-Papa, Kagwada and Katigiri Counties, former Central Equatoria State South Sudan, since the influx was reported in late January 2018. The influx is stretching the existing humanitarian resources and primary health care services. Since clashes in mid-2016, humanitarian needs in the area have remained high.
WHO Regional Director for Africa starts an official visit to the Republic of the Congo
WHO promptly responds to the suspected Rift Valley Fever outbreak in Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State, Republic of South Sudan
Juba, 14 February 2018 – Following the detection of a suspected Rift Valley fever outbreak in the Eastern Lakes State of South Sudan by the National Ministry of Health, World Health Organization supported the establishment of multi sectoral rapid response to investigate and prevent further spread of the disease. WHO established a temporary Incident Management System in Yirol East County to support the State authorities with coordination, surveillance, risk communication, case management and logistics.