Infographics

The cholera containment and Mpox preparedness activities in Machinga District marked a critical intervention in safeguarding public health following the cholera outbreak declared on 10 September 2024. 

Twenty-eight-year-old Anna Akola smiles, a beautiful wide smile that lights up her whole face. She speaks very softly, and if you are not attentive, you can miss her words. It is hard to believe that this is the same person who, a fortnight ago, was writhing in pain and discomfort in the isolation unit at Pallisa General Hospital in Eastern Uganda.

Botswana joined the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, in Tlokweng village, with His Honour the Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe lauding the country’s achievements in surpassing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets. Botswana is recognized as a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 95% of individuals aged 15–65 living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those diagnosed on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and 98% achieving viral suppression (95-98-98).

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have donated a batch of molecular biology test kits for Mpox to Angola’s National Institute for Health Research (INIS). This collaboration aims to enhance Angola’s capacity to swiftly detect and respond to Mpox cases, marking an important step in supporting the country’s public health system as it confronts the recent emergence of the disease.

Laurinda Pandasala was excited when she gave birth to her daughter, Ana, in July 2023. While the event was joyful, she also experienced underlying anxiety. She wanted the best for her child, especially regarding health care. However, accessing routine childhood vaccinations for Ana in Canduvene, a small city in Angola’s Bié Province community, proved daunting.

In collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to make strides in fostering safe and respectful workplaces across Ethiopia's health sector. A recent milestone in this endeavor was a one-day training workshop on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH), held on October 28, 2024, in Adama, Ethiopia. This workshop, supported technically and financially by WHO, underscores a shared commitment to establishing zero tolerance for SEAH in federal health institutions. 

In a symbolic event marked by testimonies and the renewal of commitments to ensure that no child is left behind without vaccination, the Angolan government paid a heartfelt tribute to all the volunteers, partners and health professionals who, over the decades, have dedicated their lives to the fight to eradicate polio in Angola. 

Monrovia, Liberia - In the Kessely Boulevard community, Shedrick Barlee, a 36-year-old father, clutches his one-year-old son, Blessed Barlee, as a healthcare worker prepares to administer the measles vaccine. . Since 2021 Liberia has been battling an outbreak of measles due largely to interruption of routine immunization on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. At total of 13,334 cases and 95 deaths were recorded by Liberia’s national public health institute.

Dodoma : In light of a recent Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in neighbouring Rwanda, Tanzania has ramped up its efforts to prepare for potential outbreaks of the deadly virus. To evaluate and improve the country's preparedness, the  World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, organized a tabletop simulation exercise to test the National Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan and the National MVD Contingency Plan.