WHO urges greater COVID-19 vigilance in Africa as holidays near

WHO urges greater COVID-19 vigilance in Africa as holidays near

Brazzaville, 19 November 2020 – With the end of year approaching and many African families planning get-togethers, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to be on high alert for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases. This comes as nearly 20 countries in the region experience an uptick in cases.

11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared over

11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared over
Today marks the end of the 11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), nearly six months after the first cases were reported in Equateur Province. The outbreak took place in communities scattered across dense rain forests as well as crowded urban areas, creating logistical challenges. These were surmounted due to the leadership of the government and local communities, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners.

Update COVID-19 17 November 2020

COVID_19 Update Rwanda

17 November 2020 — Sixteen (16) new COVID-19 cases were identified out of 3051 samples tested today. This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases to five thousand, five hundred, and seven (5507). To date, five thousand, and eight (5008) patients have recovered, including four (4) in the past 24 hours. The number of active cases is four hundred and fifty-three (453) and forty-six (46) deaths. The new death is a man Rwandan of 75 years old.

EU and WHO increases access to diagnostics to tackle COVID-19

Supplies procured to support testing for over 500 COVID-19 samples per day for the next two months

To increase diagnostic capacity in response to COVID-19 pandemic, WHO with funding from the European Union (EU), donated laboratory supplies to South Sudan’s National Public Health Laboratory.

The supplies included materials and reagents that support real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the gold standard test platform for COVID-19 viral detection. The supplies are sufficient to support testing for over 500 COVID-19 samples per day for the next two months.  

Update COVID-19 15 November 2020

COVID_19 Update Rwanda

 November 2020 — Sixty-one (61) new COVID-19 cases were identified out of 1449 samples tested today. This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases to five thousand, four hundred, and fifty-five (5455). To date, four thousand, nine hundred, and ninety-five (4995) patients have recovered, including one (1) in the past 24 hours. The number of active cases is four hundred and fifteen (415) and forty-five (45) deaths.  The new deaths are 3 men Rwandan of 36, 62, and 85 years old in Rwamagana District.

Paying tribute to nurses for making a difference in the prevention and control of diabetes

Commemorating the World Diabetes Day 2020 in Mauritius: A sketch on "All you need to know on Diabetes" by Nurses
The contribution of the nurses in the prevention and control of diabetes was highly recognized during the commemoration of the World Diabetes Day on 16 November 2020 at the Ebene Business Park of Mauritius.   Dr Hon Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness acknowledged the vital role of the nurses who represent more than fifty percent of the total health workforce in the country and worldwide. It was a great opportunity to pay tribute to the nurses who are at the forefront of the public health care system with this year theme “The Nurses and Diabetes”.  “Unfortunately, the number of diabetic cases is continuously increasing across the globe.  We are aware that more emphasis should be laid on prevention of diabetes and sensitization of all Mauritians on the risk factors so that we can prevent diabetes”, said Dr Hon. K.K. Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness. “One out of two persons living with diabetes does not even know that he or she is diabetic, and this is a matter of concern as we know the complications that are associated with diabetes”, said the Health Minister.

Update COVID-19 16 November 2020

COVID_19 Update Rwanda

16 November 2020 — Thirty-six (36) new COVID-19 cases were identified out of 1545 samples tested today. This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases to five thousand, four hundred, and ninety-one (5491). To date, five thousand, and four (5004) patients have recovered, including nine (9) in the past 24 hours. The number of active cases is four hundred and forty-two (442) and forty-five (45) deaths. 


The new cases are in Kigali (31), tested in Nyarugenge Prison, Kirehe (1), Nyagatare (1) and Rusizi (3); heightened vigilance is required everywhere. 

Stakeholders advocate for advancement of nursing in diabetes care

1A nurse performing checks on a diabetic patient in Abuja

Abuja, 16 November, 2020 - “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes seven years ago. It started with general body weakness. I was losing weight despite eating a lot of food, always drinking water and waking up to 6-7 times at night. The lack of sleep at night affected my work as I was summoned to my Supervisor’s office while caught sleeping during working hours. While discussing this incident with a colleague at work, she advised I seek medical attention immediately” stated Emmanuel Segun, a 53-year-old man. 

WHO urges Borno to target zero malaria cases

WHO Country Rep. Dr Mulombo administers anti-malaria drug to an eligible child at Elmiskin IDPs camp in Maiduguri, Borno state during the flag-off of 4th Cycle of SMC_Photo_WHO_CEOnuekwe.jpg

Maiduguri, 16 November, 2020 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Borno state to target zero malaria cases among under 5 children, saying it is achievable despite the current humanitarian crisis.

Flagging-off the 4th cycle of seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis campaign in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital on 16 Novemebr, 2020, WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, stated that despite high prevalence of malaria in Nigeria, it is still possible to target and achieve zero malaria status.