On the 17th May, 2013 -- The WHO Country Office handed over to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, vehicles and equipment to support data management and implementation of the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Programme in the country.

The items handed over included: 1 Vehicle, 1motorcycle and 5 laptop computers. The value of all these items is USD 48,119.56 equivalent to Tshs 78,338,643.68.

17 May 2013 -- The yellow fever ‘booster’ vaccination given ten years after the initial vaccination is not necessary. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) has reviewed the latest evidence and concluded that a single dose of vaccination is sufficient to confer life-long immunity against yellow fever disease.

The World Health Organization donated various items including, information and communication technology and medical equipment, reagents and consumables as well as other supplies worth more than US $159,000 to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on 17 May 2013. The items included Interagency Diarrhoeal Disease Kits, 24 sets of desktop and laptop computers and accessories, Elisa Plate Reader, Tapes for Autoclave, broad spectrum of Kits for cholera control, 1 Toyota Hard Top, 1 motor bike, 2 Desktop OptiPlex Computers, Inter core among others.

Banjul, 16 May 2013 -- The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, this morning, hosted a press briefing at its headquarters in Banjul, the capital city of the Gambia, marking the official launching of African Vaccination Week (AVW). It will be recalled that the Gambia could not, for various reasons, join the rest of the continent in observing the 3rd edition AVW in April 2013 but today’s press briefing is construed as a demonstration of commitment to strengthening immunization services in the country.

“Good nutrition is the foundation for sustainable development, play your part” was the call made to all present during the launch of presidential call to action on nutrition on 16th May, 2013. His Excellency, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania was the guest of honor in the well-attended event held at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam.

...endorses Malaria Programme Review Declaration

The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the development and private partners commemorated the World Malaria Day 2013 with a run down of events to create awareness on malaria control efforts in the country.

The theme for the year "Invest in the future; Defeat Malaria" is a call to action for all stakeholders, hence the choice of the slogan "Time is Now."

The President of the Republic of Uganda His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the World Health Organisation for the support given to the country over the years.

“I thank WHO because they have always been with us in all these struggles,” said the President as he officially launched the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) during the commemoration of the 6th World Malaria Day held at Soroti Sports ground on 10th May 2013.

“I urge you all to demonstrate exemplary Leadership, Innovative management and support and Supervision in order to address challenges we face in our health system which include shortages of medicines, of human resources, of equipment and transport and coordination. We shall make this an annual event on our calendar. We will from now on recognise good performance and give Awards to best performing Regions and Districts.” This call was made by Hon. Dr.

On 11th May, 2013, the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) launched the final report of the active surveillance of Artemether-Lumefantrine (ALU) and pharmacovigilance tools. Present to officiate the launch was the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, the Ag. Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Regina Kikuli, the Ag. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Donan Mmbando, the Director General for TFDA, Mr Hiiti Sillo and the WHO Representative, Dr. Rufaro Chatora.

Abidjan, WHO - Cote d’Ivoire, May, 10th 2013 -- The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with other immunization partners, is organizing, from 13 to 17 May 2013, in Grand-Bassam (Côte d’Ivoire), a workshop for EPI programmes managers and teachers of medical, nurses and midwifery training schools in the African region. For the next five working days, participants will revise and update the two prototype curricula on immunization which were developed in 2006 in Douala (Cameroon), and are now outdated.