WCO Tanzania takes the Transformation Agenda forwards

Peer learning WCO Staff, Mr. Maximillian Mapunda and Mr. Yusuph Mwemtsi, cascading training on Results Based Management to colleagues
The Transformation Agenda is a programme for accelerating the implementation of WHO reform within the WHO African Region. It is a vision and a strategy for change aimed at facilitating the emergence of “the WHO that the staff and stakeholders want”. Its objective is to improve delivery of results with clearer links to better health outcomes in countries, focusing on countries’ health priorities in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

WHO participates in a forum on effective interventions to reduce harmful use of alcohol

WHO National Health Promotion Officer, Eugene Mahlehla, presenting on effective interventions to reduce harmful use of alcohol

South Africa’s alcohol consumption rate is very high, with the country ranked as one of the top 10 most drinking nations in the world. Most education and awareness campaigns have been initiated to curb liquor abuse but have not had the kind of impact required. This, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), highlighted a need to debate and exchange knowledge and experiences on effective and impactful education and awareness campaigns to address the problem of liquor abuse in South Africa.

The Regional Expert Meeting on Medicine Regulatory Harmonization Initiative is being convened by IGAD

01 Group picture of participants of the “Regional Expert Meeting on Medicine Regulatory Harmonization Initiative”
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened the regional expert meeting on Medicine Regulatory Harmonization (MRH), on 17 July, 2017 which was conducted at the Intercontinental Addis Hotel, in Addis Ababa. The aim of the IGAD MRH initiative is to improve access to safe, effective and quality medicines by the population of the region. IGAD is one of the regional Economic Community (REC) of the Africa region established in 1996 with eight member states, and among these six have established the National Medicine Regulatory Authority.

The HIV Self-Testing Africa (STAR) project in Zambia shows potential for increasing uptake and coverage of HIV testing

Youth promoting HIV testing

Lusaka - 21 July 2017- Following the completion of phase one of the UNITAID/PSI HIV Self- Testing Africa (STAR) project (2015-2017), Zambia conducted a dissemination meeting to share lessons learnt from implementing the project. This pilot study is being implemented by a consortium led by Population Services International (PSI) in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe in two phases and it will last up to three years from August 2017.

Progress towards Malaria Elimination in The Gambia

Dignitaries at the ceremony with Prof. JM Dangou in the middle flanked by the US Ambassador (l) and Hon. Minister for Health and Social Welfare (r)
An event to celebrate the advancements and achievements in Malaria reduction in The Gambia was held on the 11th of July 2017. Speaking at the celebration reception on behalf of the Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti and, on behalf of the entire UN system working in the Gambia, Professor Jean-Marie Dangou, WHO Representative in the Gambia commended the Government, people of The Gambia, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Malaria Control Programme, health workers and development partners for the extraordinary achievements. “We have come a long way in the fight against malaria in The Gambia. It is time to boost investments in malaria prevention and to support The Gambia to Eliminate and End Malaria for Good. With the required resources, and all partners united, we can transform our common vision into a shared reality” he said in his statement.

The World Health Organization boosts health support for Zanzibar

Dr Kamwa reviewing Chumbuni CTC patient records with the CTC staff
The World Health Organization Country Representative in Tanzania, Dr. Matthieu Kamwa, visited Zanzibar as part of the continuing WHO support. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of the Untied Republic of Tanzania, located 25 to 50 kilometers from the mainland. It consists of two main islands, Unguja (the main island) and Pemba and several small ones.

WHO’s support to the response of the acute watery diarrhoea outbreak in Ethiopia’s Somali Region

WHO surge team holds daily morning meetings
The Government of Ethiopia, through the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and the Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs) with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners is responding to an outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) in Amahara, Oromia, SNNP and Somali regions. To support the government’s response implementation, WHO has deployed surge teams of experts in surveillance, case management, WASH, nutrition, risk communication, administration and logistics to the affected regions to support implementation of response activities. Logistical supplies including vehicles, medicines, case management protocols, laboratory reagents, treatment kits and other materials have also been provided. Below is a kaleidoscopic view of activities in Somali region.

Extending health coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Extending health coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo

13 July 2017 – In the Tanganyika province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, going to a health centre often means traveling long distances over poor roads, while carrying a sick child and supplies. WHO’s Rapid Access Expansion Programme (RAcE) is bringing diagnosis and treatment for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea – the three deadliest childhood diseases – into remote communities.