Brazzaville – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa has launched a Regional Validation Committee for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus, markin…
Read moreMore than 13 000 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases have been reported in the African region since the start of 2024, as of 17 November. Three countries – Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda - account for approximately 97% of all reported cases so far this year. From reinforcing outbreak control measures including health worker training, to the delivery of medical supplies and equipment, and to the development of vaccine deployment plans, World Health Organization (WHO) is providing critical technical and financial support to countries to effectively respond to and end the mpox outbreaks in the region.
Read moreThe Democratic Republic of the Congo is the hardest hit country in the African region by mpox outbreak, accounting for about 80% of laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths reported across the continent this year. While mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, it can affect anyone. Vulnerable populations are at a heightened risk of infection and severe illness.
Read moreBrazzaville – World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) experts gathered in Brazzaville this week with country representatives and partners to provide guidanc…
Read moreRwanda has discharged the last Marburg virus disease patient, kicking off the mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the end of the outbreak. The country has reported no new confirmed cases since 30 October 2024.
Read moreTo strengthen regional readiness for infectious disease outbreaks, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), Médicins sans frontières (MSF), and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), will lead a comprehensive simulation exercise in Ghana from November 11 to 15, 2024. This joint initiative, with participation from Ghana and other selected African countries, will support capacities for public health emergency preparedness and response by deploying innovative rapid-response health facilities capable of effectively managing high-risk outbreaks.
Read moreIn public health, data serves as a critical foundation for understanding challenges and making informed decisions. Without clear, accurate information, it’s difficult for individuals and communities to take meaningful action, and policymakers to devise and implement effective solutions. Recognizing this need, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Health, organized a media training ahead of the Ghana STEPS Survey 2023 report launch to ensure its findings are communicated to Ghanaians in accessible and impactful ways.
Read moreThe health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today introduced the R21 malaria vaccine into the national immunization programme, adding a crucial tool to complement existing malaria control measures to protect and save the lives of young children.
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