Sierra Leone joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Malaria Day today 25 April 2012 on the theme “Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in malaria”. A local slogan: “Mosquito Net!! Malaria Free. Sound Sleep” was also chosen by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) to raise awareness on malaria prevention and control in the country. In a nation-wide broadcast the Minister of Health and Sanitation Hon Zainab Bangura, officially announced free treatment for confirmed malaria cases for all age groups in the country at government health facilities.

His Excellency the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania – Dr Mohammed Ghalib Bilal officiated the World Malaria Day 25 April 2012 Commemorations in Dar-Es-Salaam.

On 23rd April 2012 Tanzania joined other countries in the world in the implementation of the Immunization Week. The national launch took place in Dar Es Salaam and it was officiated by the Hon. Minister of Health, who was represented by Dr. Donald Mmbando, Ag. Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Others present were Government Officials from national to regional and district levels, WHO, UNICEF, USAID, the Media, School Children and other Stakeholders including the Community at large.

Brazzaville, 25 April 2012 -- African countries and communities should intensify collaborative work with their various partners for the “final push” towards universal access by putting malaria control and elimination at the core of poverty reduction strategies.

WHO Director General Dr Margaret Chan touched down on 23 April 2012 for a four-day visit to Namibia. Dr Chan’s visit coincided with World Malaria Day, 25 April which was commemorated under the theme, “Sustain Gains. Save Lives. Invest in Malaria.” The high-level mission not only focused on malaria but used the opportunity to discuss issues related to maternal and child health, health systems strengthening, human resources for health, among other priority issues.

Addis Ababa, 23 April 2012 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, on Monday (23 April) called for sounder health policies underpinned by primary health care values and principles to address inequities in health.

24 April 2012 -- A new global strategy aims to reduce measles deaths and congenital rubella syndrome to zero. The strategy comes with the publication of new data using a state-of-the-art methodology showing that efforts to reduce measles deaths have resulted in a 74% reduction in global measles deaths, from 2000 to 2010.

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he Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners officially launched the African Vaccination Week (AVW) on 21 April 2012 under the theme: “An unimmunized child is one too many. Give polio the last push”.

Conakry, 20 April 2012 -- The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, has urged countries in the ECOWAS sub-region to accelerate efforts towards addressing the  recent outbreaks of polio and meningitis (W135).

The 13th World Congress on Public Health  will take place from 23 to 27, April 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme; “Towards Global Health Equity: Opportunities and Threats”. This Congress offers unique opportunities to discuss global, continental and national public health issues among the global public health community and other key stakeholders. The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, will deliver the Keynote address.