The cholera outbreak in Tanzania started on the 15th of August 2015, and as of 20th January 2016, the country had reported more than 14,000 cases, including 222 deaths (representing 1.6% case fatality rate).

The current outbreak is unique because of its vast geographical spread within a short time while containment has proved to be an enormous challenge. It has so far affected 25 of the 28 administrative regions of the country and Zanzibar.

Brazzaville/Libreville, 12 February 2016 - The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti is in Libreville, Gabon, for a 5 day official visit and to participate in the 7th Conference of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which begins today.

Brazzaville 12 February 2016 – Cancer control experts from nineteen French-speaking countries in Africa wrapped up a five-day workshop aimed at building their capacity to tackle the rising tide of cancer in the Region.

Abuja, 11 February, 2016 - The Honourable   Minister of Health, Professor Isaac  Adewole, has assured the citizenry during a press briefing in Abuja on 11 February, 2016 that the “current outbreak of the Lassa fever is under control as evidenced by decline in new suspected cases, new laboratory confirmed cases and newly reported cases by week”.

Despite this achievement, Professor Adebowole informed the journalists that it is dangerous to be complacent at this stage since another second wave deep in the dry season is possible.

Dar es Salaam, 11 February 2016- Crowded areas such as fishing camps, refugee camps, prisons, military and police barracks and schools are vulnerable to outbreaks of communicable diseases like cholera. The government of Tanzania continues to battle the on-going wide spread cholera outbreak which has up-to-date affected 23 out of the 25 Regions in the country.

Abuja, 11 February, 2015 - The 31st session of the Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio Eradication and Routine immunization (ERC), warns that the perception of a “job done” coupled with risks of waning political commitment and accountability at each level, funding gaps and delays, access to children in North-East and pockets of low population immunity, could be bottlenecks to achieving certification in 2017.

11 February 2016 - Since late April 2015, nearly 234,606 Burundians fled to neighbouring countries as a result of the on-going political crisis in the country. As of 20th January 2016 Rwanda registered 71,881 refugees and a total 45,460 are hosted in Mahama camp in Kirehe District, Eastern Province.

Mara, 11 February 2016 -- Mara Region is among the 23 Regions affected by the on-going cholera outbreak in Tanzania. As of 11 February, the Region has reported 1,307 cases cumulatively with 44 deaths.

Despite the on-going outbreak control efforts put in place by the Region, cholera transmission continues. WHO Representative, Dr. Rufaro Chatora, visited the Region to take stock of the situation and discuss with the Regional Health Team possible solutions to address the critical challenges faced by the Region.

Juba, 10 February 2016 --  To accelerate the elimination of onchocerciasis (river blindness) in South Sudan, WHO and the Ministry of Health (MoH) are conducting community-based mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin, to targeted population in endemic counties of South Sudan.

River blindness is the world's second leading infectious cause of blindness. It is a parasitic disease caused by Onchocerciasis volvulus (OV) and transmitted by blackfly, an insect that breeds along fast flowing rivers.

Mwanza, 10 February 2016 —The on-going cholera outbreak in Tanzania has affected more than 15,000 people and claimed over 230 lives from 23 Regions. Seven out of the 23 affected Regions from the Lake Zone namely: Mwanza, Mara, Kagera, Kigoma, Geita, Tabora and Shinyanga, have contributed 51% of the reported cases and 62% of the reported deaths.