Abuja, 26 October 2015 – Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally removes Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries. The announcement comes after the historic achievement of the country in interrupting the transmission of wild poliovirus for a period of 15 months, which exceeds WHO’s target for interruption. Only 2 countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) remain polio-endemic, down from more than 125 in 1988.

ADDIS ABABA, 23 October 2015 | Marking the occasion of World Polio Day 2015, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Rotary International, jointly reaffirm their commitment to ensure Ethiopia joins all countries in a polio-free world by 2018 – the global target for polio eradication world-wide. 

The security situation continues to be precarious across the Central African Republic. State institutions, rule of law and public services barely function. Since January, sporadic attacks were recorded in Bangui, Bambari, Baboua, Kabo, Batangafo, Markounda, Paoua, Amadagaza, Kouango, Alindao, Mbrès, Bria and Dékoa. These attacks displaced tens of thousands of people, and led to the temporary withdrawal of some NGOs due to increased insecurity and attacks on their vehicles and staff. 

Harare, 23 Oct. 2015 - This was the final in a series of events to mark UN@70. The main commemorative function hosted by WHO at the  Highlands compound, was attended by various UN agencies staff led by their respective Heads of Agencies, senior Government Officials, bilateral partners and a wide range of Ambassadors and Heads of Missions accredited to Zimbabwe.

Pledges continued support to the Ministry of Health and the people of South of Sudan

Juba, 23 October 2015 - On 22nd October 2015, the newly appointed WHO Representative (WR) to South Sudan, Dr. Abdulmumini Usman presented letter of credence in the capacity as the World Health Organization Representative to South Sudan.

Harare, 21 Oct. 2015 :  2015 marks the global celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, (UN) which aims to honor the historic breadth of the Organization’s development, security and human rights work. Globally, the “UN @ 70” celebration also aims to unite Member States, global civil society and the many individual women and men working in common cause to enable a strong UN to realize a better world. In Zimbabwe, the UN Country Team organized a series of events to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is responding to multiple cholera outbreaks that could flare-up and threaten the health of more people if control measures are not intensified. More than 10 700 cholera cases and 170 deaths have been reported in five countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions as of 21 October 2015.

22 September 2015 - Swaziland held a 2 days meeting to orient parliamentarians on topical public health issues in the country. The parliamentarians were oriented on the Universal Health Coverage concept which is the main theme of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2014-2018. They were also oriented on tobacco control in the country. The meeting also included discussions on addressing social determinants of health as well as the burden of non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases and malaria in the country.

Kigali, 20 October 2015 - The WHO Country Office in Rwanda, through its continuous support to the Ministry of Health, has donated 6 355 000 albendazole tablets to support the upcoming deworming campaign against soil transmitted helminthiasis.

On 11 October 2015, Rotary honoured Dr Pierre M'pele-Kilebou as a Paul Harris Fellow for his tremendous effort towards eradicating polio from Ethiopia, and appreciating tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world. Speaking at the event that took place at Hiber Traditional Restaurant, Addis Ababa,  Dr Pierre M'pele-Kilebou said,“I thank Rotary for the recognition and award. However, this award belongs to all my colleagues who contributed much towards the polio eradication effort."