Sierra Leone Launches Multi year Multi-sectorial Cholera Plan
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation launched the Cholera Multi-Year Multi-Sectoral Plan and other three surveillance documents (National Sierra Leone National Disease Surveillance and Response Strategic Plan 2012 – 2017, Rapid Response Teams Operational Guidelines and Post Epidemic Evaluation (The 2012 Cholera Outbreak) on 27 February 2014 at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium.
WHO and Principality of Monaco sign MoU for malaria control in Africa
Harare, 25 Feb 2014 -- The Government Counselor for External Relations of the Principality of Monaco, M. José Badia and IST/ESA Coordinator, Dr David Okello signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the 2nd phase of the accelerated malaria control towards pre-elimination in East and Southern Africa by 2015 project.
Nigeria surmounting odds to intensify poliovirus surveillance amidst insecurity in Borno State
Borno State of Nigeria has been facing security challenges because of stiff insurgency, resulting into loss of lives and property, crippling economic, social as well as commercial activities. The health sector is not spared and it is on record that some health workers made the ultimate sacrifice during one of the insurgents’ attacks. The negative fallout necessitated the postponement of the March 2013 Polio Immunization plus Days (IPDs) round by the State government.
140 000 people to get cholera vaccine in South Sudan
22 FEBRUARY 2014 | GENEVA - WHO is working with the South Sudan Government and partners to provide vaccines to protect nearly 140 000 people living in temporary camps in South Sudan against cholera.
The vaccines come from an emergency stockpile managed by WHO, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and UNICEF. It is the first time the stockpile, created in 2013 by WHO, is being activated.
Dr Eugene A Nyarko, the World Health Organization Resident Representative to Malawi presents his credentials
22 February 2014, Lilongwe,Malawi: Dr Eugene Appiah Nyarko, the new WHO Representative (WR) to Malawi, on 28 January 2014 presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honorable Ephraim Ng’ande Chiume MP, at the Minister’s Capital Hill office. Dr. Nyarko, served in the Republic of Botswana prior to his new assignment in Malawi.
Alcohol advertising trends in South Africa
Another study was commissioned by the WCO on Alcohol Advertising Trends in South Africa to provide empirical data to inform public health policies. The study found that total alcohol advertising expenditure increased from around R550 million per year between 1997 and 2003, to more than R1.7 billion in 2011 and 2012. Total alcohol advertising represents 4.4% of total advertisements, and it is increasingly focusing on new media and new products (such as ciders and flavored alcoholic beverages) that are popular among youth.
Alcohol Affordability and Impact of Excise Taxes in South Africa
The World Health Organization South Africa Country Office (WCO) commissioned study on alcohol affordability and the impact of excise taxes on alcohol consumption in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to increase the evidence base for, and support the development of, country level policies on the reduction of harms related to alcohol consumption. The report focuses on the fiscal aspects related to alcohol policy in South Africa.
WHO Supports National Events
The World Health Organisation is currently working with the National Department of Health and key stakeholders in planning the following:
Commemoration of Africa Vaccination Week (AVW) 2013 in April. The goal of the AVW in SA is to increase the awareness of the benefits of the second dose of measles vaccination at 18 months among health care workers, parents and caregivers. WHO is a member of the AVM 2014 Coordination Team, is involved in AVW planning and has assisted in drafting a related concept note.
WHO Capacity Building for Learning Focal Points in AFRO
Cluster RSU Management Officers, ISTs Management Officers and HR Officers, Operations Officers from DRC and South Africa, including HR Assistants from Angola and Kenya are attending a training workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, to enhance their core competencies and develop skills and strategies for managing their work. It is expected that on completion the training, the attendants will have a more coordinated effort in:
WHO addresses the Executive National Security Programme
The WHO Country Office has an annual invitation to address the Executive National Security Programme (ENSP) of the South African National Defence College. This year the topic was on the “World Health and Demographic Trends”. Presented by Ms Mary Anne Groepe, WHO NPO/Malaria, the presentation provided deeper insight into the security implications of world health and demographic trends with specific reference, but not limited to, Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The presentation covered four areas: