Stakeholders strengthen commitments to end polio transmission in Nigeria by December 2025

Members of the high table at the NTLC

Abuja, 27 February, 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria's government in strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) and addressing health system issues by implementing innovative initiatives. This commitment aligns with the country's goal to eliminate all types of polioviruses by the end of 2025.

WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said at the recently concluded First Quarter Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on PHC Delivery in Abuja.

From Kabul to Kitgum: A journey of hope and resilience

Amran Mohammad Yosuf

In the war-torn streets of Kabul, bombed-out buildings stood as stark reminders of a life disrupted. Families, including one young boy's, struggled to rebuild amidst the chaos. For this boy, survival was not the only battle; his greatest fight was for an education.

Escalating humanitarian crisis in Renk amid renewed conflict in Sudan.

Escalating humanitarian crisis in Renk amid renewed conflict in Sudan.

Juba - The ongoing conflict in Sudan has forced more than 160,000 people to seek refuge in South Sudan since mid-December 2024, placing immense pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system. Renk County, particularly its border town and surrounding villages, has become the primary destination for these displaced individuals, exacerbating existing health challenges.

Sierra Leone bolsters mpox response with 61,300 vaccine doses

arrival of vaccine

Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 25, 2025 – Sierra Leone reinforces its combat against mpox with the arrival of 61,300 vaccine doses on February 25, 2025. This vital shipment, secured through the collaborative efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners, following a total of 29 confirmed mpox cases nationwide since the onset of this outbreak.

South Africa launches 1.1 million HIV campaign to close treatment gap

WHO staff with Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi (middle) during the Closing 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap Campaign at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg

Johannesburg – The South African government, in partnership with World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and other stakeholders, on February 25, 2025, launched the “Closing 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap Campaign” to accelerate efforts toward achieving the 95-95-95 HIV targets. The campaign seeks to identify and support the 1.1 million people living with HIV who know their status but are not yet on treatment, addressing a critical gap in the country’s HIV response.

WHO Provides Urgent Medical Support to Ghana to Combat Meningitis Outbreak

Donation

Ghana is experiencing a worsening bacterial  meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region, straining the country's healthcare system as cases continue to climb. With limited resources and rising fatalities, health authorities are racing against time to contain the disease and provide critical treatment to those affected. In response to the escalating crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped in to provide much-needed technical and logistical support.

WHO commits to enhancing Nigeria's capacity to tackle influenza threat

Sample collection from a bird suspected for H5N1 by Kano state and WHO staff under the one health team

Kano, 24 February, 2025- Following an alert of a highly pathogenic avian Influenza (H5N1) outbreak in poultry, commonly known as bird flu, in Kano state,  the World Health Organization ( WHO) has stepped up its support to the Government of Nigeria to prevent transmission of the virus to humans. While the virus spreads rapidly among birds, it also has the potential to infect mammals, including humans. It poses a significant threat to both animal and public health.

Ministry of Health with support from WHO reactivates the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU) In Nimule to enhance cross border public health security in South Sudan

Ministry of Health with Support from WHO reactivates the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU) In Nimule to enhance cross border public health security in South Sudan

Juba - To improve capacity for treatment of infectious diseases and mitigate the risk of cross-border disease transmission, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has established and handed over an Infectious Diseases facility in the border of Nimule to the Magwi County Health Department.

The new 15 bed capacity facility is designed to bolster the country’s healthcare system by providing necessary resources and infrastructure to manage infectious diseases effectively and boosting infection prevention and control.