WHO Namibia supports the Development of a National Action Plan on Health Security

Participants at the workshop to finalise the National Action Plan on Health Security for Namibia

A team of experts from the World Health Organization visited Namibia  in August 2017 to assist in the development of a National Action Plan on Health Security.  This was a follow-up to a Joint External Evaluation which was undertaken by a team of 11 experts held in December 2016. The December Evaluation was to determine Namibia’s readiness to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to public health threats, whether they are naturally occurring, deliberate, or accidental.

Botswana successfully concludes the IDSR national Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop

IDSR Training session in progress

GABOR0NE, Botswana - 28th October 2017: A comprehensive training of trainers on integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) was conducted over a four-day period. Participants included surveillance officers, laboratory staff, clinicians and public health specialists from both the National and District level in Botswana. This workshop follows the adaptation and development of the National IDSR training manual. Both activities were coordinated and implemented by the Ministry of Health with technical and financial support from the WHO Country office.

Uganda and Kenya Hold Cross Border Meeting on Marburg Virus Disease

Participants in the cross-border meeting on Marburg Virus Disease.

Kapchorwa 10th November 2017- Political leaders, civil servants, health workers and security officers from Kenya and Uganda have agreed to establish mechanisms to share disease surveillance data across districts and borders in order to prevent or control disease outbreaks.

Ghana celebrates World Mental Health Day

Procession in the principal streets of Takoradi

The government of Ghana joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s World Mental Health Day under the theme: “Mental Health in the Workplace

A grand durbar was organised to crown the dual programs World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Week at Jubilee Park on Saturday 12th October 2017. The durbar was preceded by a float on the principal streets in the Takoradi town-ship by students from Tertiary and Senior High Schools.

Mental health in the workplace: Commemoration of the World Mental Health Day in Swaziland

Over 300 textile workers listening to presentations during the World Mental Health Day commemoration at the factory.

09 November, Mbabane: More than 300 textile workers in Siteki in the Lubombo region of Swaziland were sensitised on the importance of maintaining a state of good mental health especially at the workplace. This was marking the commemoration of the World Mental Health Day under the theme “Mental Health in the Workplace”. The Kingdom of Swaziland joins the rest of the world every year in commemorating this important day aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues across the globe and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

As Nigerian government Flags-off 2017/2018 Measles Vaccination Campaign, Kaduna state Governor's children get vaccinated against measles disease.

ED NPHCDA Dr Faisal Shuaib vaccinating the child of the Governor of Kaduna state while the Governor’s wife Hajiya Ummi El Rufai looks on.

Kaduna, 08 November 2017 – In a ceremony attended by stakeholders in the health sector to kick start the 2017 / 2018 Measles vaccination campaign, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Faisal Shuaib vaccinated the children  Kaduna state Governor, Nasiru El Rufai.  The ceremony which took place at Miyetti-Allah Primary Healthcare Centre in Rigasa ward of Igabi Local Government area of Ka

Namibia’s ban on antibiotics in healthy animals drives meat exports

Namibia banned use of hormones and antibiotics for growth promotion in beef industry, 26 years go. Photo: Meat Corporation of Namibia

November 2017

Namibia was the first African nation to ban the routine use of antibiotics in its beef industry, when it passed a law 26 years ago. The thriving industry is proof that large-scale meat production can succeed without squandering one of the most precious resources of modern medicine.

Engaging media for effective risk communication in Seychelles

WHO presenter speaks about reporting styles in relation to emergencies

VICTORIA, November 8 2017 - Whilst their roles are different, journalists together with health workers are often on the frontline of disease outbreaks. It is therefore essential that the media is engaged in preparedness and response efforts, using their voice to share credible information towards reducing public health risks. This is the key message that was put forward during recent trainings conducted for journalists and editors of local media houses in Victoria, Seychelles.