Combating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Liberia: Nearly 2 million people to benefit from Mass Drug Administration against lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis in endemic counties

WHO Liberia staff inspecting consignment together with Central Medical Stores staff
In a concerted effort to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and enhance public health in Liberia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated a consignment of Albendazole and Praziquantel tablets to the Ministry of Health to be used for the prevention and treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths, and Schistosomiasis, targeting more than 2 million people in endemic counties through Mass Drug Administration campaigns.

United Against Polio: Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off in Liberia

WHO Liberia Expanded Program on Immunization Officer addresses the audience during the launch of the nationwide polio vaccination campaign in Liberia
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners has commenced a four-day nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which begins on May 10, 2024, with the aim of responding to an outbreak of the circulating vaccine-derived polio virus type 2. This crucial campaign is conducted concurrently with Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. The cross-border initiative aims to immunize all eligible children, including those crossing national boundaries.

WHO awards Namibia for milestone achievement towards path to elimination of vertical mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and viral hepatitis B

The Rt Hon Prime Minister of Namibia, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila receiving the PTE awards from the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Dr Matshidiso Moeti. Witnessing the event are the Hon. Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, HE Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC and Mr Ben Nangombe, Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services

The government of Namibia hosted a high-level event to commemorate the global award received from the World Health Organization (WHO) for achieving the Silver Tier on the Path-To-Elimination (PTE) of The government of Namibia hosted a high-level event to commemorate the global award received from the World Health Organization (WHO) for achieving the Silver Tier on the Path-To-Elimination (PTE) of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and the Bronze Tier on the PTE of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Saving lives in northwest Nigeria with the new MenFive vaccines 

a town crier, Mr Usman calling on parent to get their children to the vaccination post to recieve the MenFive vaccine Photo credit – Ayodamola Owoseye

Dutse, 8 May, 2024 -  It was around 10 am when 55-year-old Usman Alasan, with his megaphone got to the nomadic settlement of Dongawaki, located at Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area (LGA), in Jigawa State, to announce the arrival of the vaccination team.  

A few minutes later, Ramatu Ali, a mother of five, who had almost lost her 12-year-old son Ambali, to meningitis some weeks earlier,  left her chores to gather all the children in her compound to the vaccination post situated opposite her home. 

World Health Organization launched the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter in Namibia

Hon. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services and Dr. Joseph Waogodo Cabore Director for Programme Management at the WHO Regional Office for Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the government of Namibia hosted the inaugural Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in Windhoek, from 06 – 08 May 2024 themed “Aligning and Stimulating Investments to Address Health Workforce Challenges in Africa”. The Forum brought together over 180 participants across Africa and globally, including Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Partners, and stakeholders from the health, education, finance, labour, and private sectors.
 

Enhancing capacity for malaria vaccine introduction and rollout in Africa through experience sharing

Enhancing capacity for my malaria vaccine introduction and rollout in Africa through experience sharing
As part of efforts to support the wider introduction and rollout of the malaria vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH and other partners convened stakeholders from  Nigeria, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia to learn from Ghana’s malaria vaccination experience on 16-18 April in Accra, Ghana, and ensure adequate preparation towards new introductions and rollout across these countries.

Protecting families against malaria using Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets

A household using a LLIN at her home to prevent mosquito

Abuja, 8 May, 2024 - Malaria remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, where the disease is endemic.

For many families in Nigeria, the threat of mosquito bites poses a constant risk, impacting both their health and financial stability. However, the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) has been a game-changer, especially for families like that of Mr Unguwar Ayuba, residing in Maikunkele locality, Niger State. 

Rapid response brings relief to flood-affected communities in Kenya

Rapid response bring relief to flood-affected communities in Kenya

Nairobi—This year’s long rainy season, which typically lasts from March to May every year, has hit Kenya hard, with unexpected heavy rainfall and widespread flooding since mid-April. Over 286 000 people have been affected, 47 000 households displaced and 238 deaths have been reported in 37 of the country’s 47 counties.