The unprecedented Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak of 2014 in West Africa and other recent health emergencies revealed that the IDSR and IHR (2005) had not been fully implemented in many Member States. This necessitated the review of the 2nd edition and development of 3rd Edition IDSR technical guidelines.  Consequently, member states were expected to adapt the 3rd Edition IDSR technical guidelines to their country contexts.   

Osun, 20 May, 2022 -  At the Akindeko market in downtown Osogbo, the capital of Osun State located in South-West Nigeria, the female head of the market (Iya-oloja) Mrs Kabiru, has taken it upon herself to raise awareness on the importance of immunization among the community. 

Using her leadership position in the market, Mrs Kabiru advises other traders especially women, that vaccines are beneficial for children and adults.

Dodoma, 18 May 2022 – The United Republic of Tanzania has launched its second round of vaccination against wild polio. The World Health Organization (WHO) in Tanzania being at the fore-front of the nationwide vaccination drive, committed to continue providing technical and coordination support in close collaboration with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, UNICEF and health partners.

19 May 2022, Kigoma -Water safety and quality are fundamental to human development and well-being. As the international authority on public health and water quality, the World Health Organization leads global efforts to prevent transmission of waterborne diseases.

17 May 2022, Dar es Salaam - The United Nations and the government of the United Republic of Tanzania have launched the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Officiated by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellence Dr Philip Isdor Mpango, the event took place in Dar es Salaam on 17 May 2022.

Brazzaville/Maputo – Health authorities in Mozambique today declared an outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 after confirming that a child in the country’s north-eastern Tete province had contracted the disease. This marks the second imported case of wild poliovirus in southern Africa this year, following an outbreak in Malawi in mid-February.

By Tatenda Chimbwanda

Kampala – As a community educator on child abuse and gender-based violence, Amos Ojandu often responds to domestic violence incidents in his local district of Yumbe in northern Uganda.

“My neighbour used to fight with his wife every day because he suspected her of cheating on him. When she refused to have sex with him, he would beat her in front of the children and kick her out of the house,” he recalls, describing how he would plead with the husband to allow her to return home.

Abuja, 13 May, 2022 - In a bid to ensure that Nigerians have unhindered access to quality, qualitative and affordable diagnostic services, the Federal Government flagged-off and disseminated the first Nigeria National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL).

The policy document launched in Abuja on 9 May 2022, was develop with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Fund. Nigeria is the first country to develop her Essential Diagnostics List (EDL) in Africa.