Addis Ababa. 8 December 2014 – The 20th Session of the Joint Advisory Forum (JAF) of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) kicked off in Addis Ababa today with the theme, “Building partnerships to achieve the accelerated elimination of Preventive Chemotherapy NTDs in the African Region,” bringing together governments, development partners, civil societies, non-governmental organizations, the research community and academia. 

The number people dying from malaria has fallen dramatically since 2000 and malaria cases are also steadily declining, according to the "World malaria report 2014". Between 2000 and 2013, the malaria mortality rate decreased by 47% worldwide and by 54% in the WHO African Region - where about 90% of malaria deaths occur.

Her Excellency, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf launched the “No new cases campaign” in New Georgia Community, Montserrado County, Monrovia, Liberia. 08/12/14

President Sirleaf and entourage entered the Christ Kingdom Harvest Church, where the program was held. At the far end, the President was washing her hands in 0,05% chlorine solution. 
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Polio with 950 vaccination teams covering a target population of 416740 for children 0 – 5 months. Thanks to the efforts of the national authorities and the support of the polio coalition being spearheaded by the World Health Organization. 

It will be recalled that the Minister for Health and Social Welfare Hon. Omar Sey spoke optimistically about the campaign during the launching of the 1st round (19th – 22nd September 2014), based on the country’s performance in attaining high coverage in similar campaigns.

Kabarole, 8th December 2014:-  Uganda commemorated the World Aids Day (1st December 2014) at Fort Portal Boma Grounds in Kabarole district under the theme  “Getting to Zero, My responsibility”.

Kabale, 8th December 2014:- The World Health Organization Representative (WR) for Uganda, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu visited Kigezi Region, Uganda where he visited Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Hamurwa Health Centre IV, Muko Health Centre IV, Rubanda Health Centre II, Kihanga Health Centre III, Mparo Health Centre IV and Kisiizi Hospital.

Her Excellency, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf launched the “No new cases campaign” in New Georgia Community, Montserrado County, Monrovia, Liberia. 08/12/14

President Sirleaf and entourage entered the Christ Kingdom Harvest Church, where the program was held. At the far end, the President was washing her hands in 0,05% chlorine solution. 

President Sirleaf with the high level delegation at the ceremony, including the Special Representative and head of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency (UNMEER), Mr. Anthony Banbury.

Wulu County, Lakes State, South Sudan, 3 December 2014 - The Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from WHO and partners on 3 December, launched the Cash Reward programme for the reporting of Guinea Worm Disease, and the implementation of community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) for Onchocerciasis (river blindness) control in Wulu County, Lakes State.

Kenya has launched a national anti-smoking mass media campaign with a call to end tobacco use, protect lives from second hand smoke exposure and educate the public about the dangers of smoking.

GAMBELLA. 1 December 2014. The 26th World AIDS Day was commemorated in Gambella Town on 30 November to mobilize people to know their HIV status and seek treatment services. A total of 3383 people were tested at the HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign held in Gambella Stadium in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record on ‘Most people being tested for HIV in single venue for eight hours’. Out of those tested, 82 (2.4%) were positive and linked to health facilities for support and further follow up.