National Blood Policy formulation and development of a Strategic Framework of Action for Blood Service for Mauritius

Dr Tapko providing technical support to the health professionals and other key stakeholders in view of formulating the Blood Policy and develop the Strategic Framework of Action for Blood Service for Mauritius
Blood transfusion is an essential part of modern health care. Used correctly, it can save lives and improve health. However, inappropriate and improper use of blood can lead to adverse reactions resulting in morbidity and even mortality. Safety of blood and blood products is of serious concern to countries, officials in charge of Blood Transfusion Services and prescribing clinicians. Apart from the well-known transfusion transmissible infections like HIV and hepatitis viruses, there are many emerging and re-emerging infections which are transmitted or could potentially be transmitted through blood transfusion.   In keeping with the WHO recommendations, Mauritius is required to have an approved National Blood Policy and a strategic framework that will ensure an adequate supply of safe and effective blood products and related medical services that are used appropriately for the benefit of all patients in Mauritius. In this context, Dr Jean Baptiste Tapko, WHO-consultant and expert on Blood and Blood products undertook a mission from 31st July to 10th August 2018 to review and finalize the National Blood Policy in Mauritius and support the country in developing a Strategic Framework for Action as well as finalize the Standards. The mission started with briefing meeting between. Dr Hon Anwar Husnoo, Minister of Health and Quality of life,  Dr. Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius and key policy makers at the Health Ministry.   During the meeting the objectives of the mission were discussed and orientation from the Minister was provided to the team working on National Blood policy.

EBOLA - Hope is at the end of the tunnel in Mangina - (East of the DRC)

Athanase Ndungo Bonane
Mangina (North Kivu), 17 August 2018. "I was under a lot of stress and experienced insomnia  mixed with nightmare all night," says Sister Darlène Mwasi, a registered nurse at the Mangina referral health centre, which is more than 30 kilometres southwest of the town of Beni in North Kivu. 

WHO Director General and Regional Director for Africa laud Uganda on Ebola outbreak operational readiness

Uganda's Prime Minister Rt. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda (right) receives WHO Director General Dr Tedros at the Kampala Serena Hotel

Kampala, 16 August 2018: The Director General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti visited Uganda on their way from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assess the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) response. They were received by the WHO Representative in Uganda, Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam who briefed them on WHO support to the operational preparedness of Uganda to respond to an outbreak.

Elaboration of the first comprehensive Multi Year Plan on Immunization for Mauritius

WHO supporting the elaboration of the first comprehensive Multi Year Plan on Immunization for Mauritius
In view of leveraging advocacy and strengthening of resource mobilization for vaccination and immunization, a four-day workshop is being held at Labourdonnais Hotel, Port Louis, Mauritius from 13-17 August 2018.  The overall objective of the workshop is to facilitate the elaboration of the first comprehensive Multi Year Plan (cYMP) for Mauritius. Health professionals including Regional Public Health Superintendents and technical officers from the Communicable Diseases Control Unit (CDCU), Public Health Nursing Officers, Laboratory Services Director, Advisor and Consultant, Procurement Officers, Transport officers and Human Resources Officers, Health Statisticians, Finance Officers and Health Records Officers are being trained on the strengthening of the national budgeting and planning for immunization.  Participants needs to understand  how much it costs to reach programme objectives, who will pay for these needs and how to prioritize activities based on available funding.  A credible estimate of the funding gaps will facilitate future discussion with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on how to mobilize the resources required for the programme as well as informs decision makers on how to achieve programme improvements.

WHO calls for free and secure access in responding to Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom and WHO Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti visiting Ebola treatment centre in Mangina
WHO’s global and African regional leadership saw first-hand the complexities of implementing the Ebola response in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in visits with the Ministry of Health officials to affected areas over the last two days. While this is the country’s 10th Ebola outbreak, it is the first time that the disease has struck a densely populated active conflict zone.

Staff Association hosts welcome event for new WR

Dr Gasasira with Mrs Gore Staff Association President, MR Avognon, OO and Dr Nabyonga former OIC

The Zimbabwe Staff Association today hosted a tea and cake event to welcome the new WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Alex Gasasira to the office. Dr Gasasira assumed office on 6th August 2018. The event, which was held in the Boardroom, was an opportunity for Dr Gasasira to meet the staff and for the staff to extend a warm Zimbabwean welcome to him.
Mr Patrick Avognon, the Operations Officer led the staff in welcoming Dr Gasasira with “Mauya!” the shona word for welcome. He said the Zimbabwe team welcomes Dr Gasasira and is ready to work under his leadership.