Banjul, 02 may 2013 -- The Gambia observed World Malaria Day with series of activities including a press briefing, official statements and public sensitization on the national radio and television and the official launch in the Central River Region by the Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Bala Garba Jahumpa.

Addis Ababa, 30 April 2013 -- A World Health Organization (WHO) delegation led by the Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, concluded its week-long official mission to Ethiopia with the visit to His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairman of the African Union today, 30 April 2013.

The Polio NIDs campaign coupled with AVW was officially launched on Friday 26th April 2013 in Wellington Community Health Centre, at Western Area, in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone by Dr Abu Bakarr FOFANAH, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation (MoHS). The function was well attended, with the participation of senior officials of the MOHS, Rotary international, WHO, UNICEF, parliamentarians, civil society organization, traditional and religious leaders among others.

Bugabwe (Uganda),  27 April 2013 -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni  today formally launched the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into the country’s routine immunization schedule to avert infant and child deaths due to pneumococcal disease.

27 April 2013, Addis Ababa -- In a colorful event at Selam Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Dr Luis G. Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa joined in solidarity as Ethiopia wrapped up series of events launched for the commemoration of the week-long African Vaccination Week. The commemoration was launched at Asella, East Arsi Zone of Oromiya Region, 170 KMs South of Addis Ababa on 21 April 2013. The theme for this year is “Save lives, Prevent disabilities, Vaccinate!”

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The third annual African Vaccination Week (AVW) was commemorated this week in Mafeteng district, Lesotho highlighting this year’s global theme: “Saves lives prevent disabilities, vaccinate”.

Brazzaville, 25 April 2013 -- WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo,  has called for Increased domestic and external funding, stronger political commitment and  strengthened cross border collaboration and regional cooperation in the on-going fight to “defeat malaria” in the WHO African Region.

25 April 2013 – Every year, countries over the world commemorate World Malaria Day. South Sudan joined the rest of world to commemorate and renew its commitments to ensuring a malaria-free country by 2016.

To support malaria control efforts in South Sudan, WHO provided the Ministry of Health with 3000 first response malaria rapid tests, 2700 doses of first-line ACTs (artesunate and amodiaquie) drugs, two large outdoor tents, first aid kit with IV fluids and cash worth US$ 5000.

25 April 2013: The African Ministers of Health hold their 6th Conference at the AU, Addis Ababa, under the theme, “the impact of Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) on the development in Africa.” The two day conference provides an opportunity for Ministers of Health to discuss, share experiences, acknowledge the challenges posed by the growing trend of Non communicable Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases and is expected to produce recommendations that shall reposition the African continent in addressing challenges posed.