Immunization experts agree on ways to reach more children with life-saving vaccines

Immunization experts from East and Southern African countries concluded their annual EPI Managers Meeting on Wednesday here in Asmara, with participants agreeing on 20 recommendations aimed at reaching more children with life-saving vaccines and accelerating implementation of the Addis Declaration on Immunization to attain universal health coverage.

Nigeria consolidates efforts to curtail vaccine hesitancy

NPHCDA CEO during the launch of Community engagement framework

Abuja 21 March 2019 – In 2018, insecticide treated nets were distributed by well-meaning individuals in Jigawa and Katsina State. However, the nets were poorly distributed and it caused a lot of discontent in the two states. As a result, caregivers such as Aishatu Mani refused to take her four month old for immunizations. “I am not happy I didn’t get a mosquito net, for this reason, I will not take my child for vaccination,” she told the community health workers. 

Vaccine hesitancy is one of the major challenges facing the immunisation programme in Nigeria.

Ethiopia sets to strengthen its capacity to detect, prevent and respond to public health emergencies

NAPHS
The Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia launched the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2019 – 2023. In a colorful ceremony, the plan was launched by HE Mr Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.  The Plan, which was developed based on the Joint External Evaluation conducted in 2016, sets a primary goal of achieving a secured capacity that ensures community resilience for public health threats and their impact. The plan puts three strategic pillars which will help the country achieve its mission and vision in line with prevention, detection, and response of public health threats. These are:  •    Preparedness and Coordination  •    Detection Capacity and Communication •    Response Capacity

AFRO Regional Director Dr Moeti urges EPI managers to strengthen immunization through accelerated implementation of Addis Declaration on Immunization in ESA countries

AFRO Regional Director Dr Moeti urges EPI managers to strengthen immunization through accelerated implementation of Addis Declaration on Immunization in ESA countries
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, today called on Expanded Programme on Immunization managers in the 20 East and Southern African countries to redouble efforts to strengthen immunization services by accelerating implementation of the Addis Declaration on Immunization to attain the Universal Health Coverage.

WHO Supports Uganda to Improve Viral Hepatitis Data Reporting

Officials from the Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners at the workshop

Kampala, 17 March 2019: - Uganda now has the capacity for the roll-out of the WHO Global Hepatitis Reporting System (GRSH) and the subsequent quarterly reporting requirement.

This followed a two-day training for various carders of health workers by WHO on hepatitis surveillance. Existing data systems for viral hepatitis in the country were also evaluated at the training.I

Ugandans Among Top Contenders for WHO Innovation Challenge Award

Health innovations to address gaps in health service delivery in Africa

Kampala, 16th March 2019: - A Ugandan researcher, Dr Misaki Wayengera, attached to the Department of Pathology at Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences, is a top contender in the final race for the WHO Africa Innovation Challenge. This follows his trailblazing invention that diagnoses hemorrhagic fevers.

Dr Wayengera’s invention also known as Pan-Filovirus Rapid Diagnostic Test, uses a paper-strip test, like the one used in testing for pregnancy. This, however, will be used in detecting Ebola, Marburg and other hemorrhagic fevers.