ESPEN receives 1 million USD grant from OFID

Dr Moeti with the DG of OFID
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti signed an agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Cooperation (OFID) which will provide US$1-million to ESPEN to support the control and elimination of five neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) amenable to preventive chemotherapy. ESPEN is one of the special projects of AFRO's Transformation Agenda, set up in a spirit of partnership between endemic country governments, WHO and all NTD partners and donors.

Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak contained, but continued vigilance needed

WHO country Representative Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu hands over personal protective equipment to Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu

Abuja, 10 May 2018 -With six weeks of declining numbers and only a handful of confirmed cases reported in recent weeks, the critical phase of Nigeria’s largest-ever Lassa fever outbreak is under control, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Nigeria is endemic for Lassa fever and people could be infected throughout the year, making continued efforts to control any new flare ups crucial. 

Strengthening the implementation of International Health Regulations 2005 in the Kingdom of Eswatini

The JEE team

The Kingdom of Eswatini is a small country with a population of just over 1 million. Fortunately the country has not experienced any large-scale emergencies recently. However the government of Eswatini volunteered to undertake the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) to identify its gaps in emergency preparedness, detection and response and improve on its strengths. This is highly commendable. The JEE process started in February and was concluded in April 2018. The evaluation was completed in two stages.

Ethiopia launched the 8th African Vaccination Week

L to R: Prof. Yemane Berhan, H.E. Dr Kebede Worku, Dr Ephrem T. and Mulat Negus
Addis Ababa 23rd April 2018: The national African Vaccination Week launching in Ethiopia conducted with a press conference held at Hilton Addis Hotel in the presence of government higher officials, partners and different Media. The event was started by a brief presentation made by Federal Ministry of Health focusing on the objectives of the African Vaccination week, familiarization of the newly improved Maternal and Child Health card (Immunization card), which was also launched on this event as well as the next immunization priority directions.

WHO and International Federation of Red Cross strengthen collaboration in Africa

WHO and International Federation of Red Cross strengthen collaboration in Africa
The Regional Offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have agreed to intensify their partnership and improve health in communities across Africa. Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, IFRC Regional Director met with Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa during a one day official visit to the regional headquarters on 7 May, 2018 in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo.

New Ebola outbreak declared in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Vue partielle de l’Unité de virologie et de l'immunologie Moléculaires de l'Institut national de recherche biomédicale (INRB) de Kinshasa. OMS/Eugene Kabambi
8 May 2018 News Release Geneva/Brazzaville/Kinshasa The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Bikoro in Equateur Province today (8 May 2018). The outbreak declaration occurred after laboratory results confirmed two cases of EVD.