South Africa News

Polio, a disease targeted for eradication, has been a persistent focus for South Africa. In 2006, South Africa proudly received its polio-free certification, a significant milestone. However, in 2017, this status was rescinded, only to be regained in 2019. The entire African continent achieved Polio Free Certification in 2020. Nevertheless, the unforeseen challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic compromised vaccination efforts, leading to a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including polio, in Southern Africa.

In a remarkable collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in South Africa, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), a National Bridging and One Health Framewor

Demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the protection of public health through collaborative efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa worked closely with the National Department of Health (NDOH) and partners to successfully wrap up its Cholera preparedness and readiness training sessions in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.

South Africa's multisectoral response to the Cholera Outbreak has culminated in successful containment within 165 days of the cholera outbreak official declaration. The initial cases were reported in Gauteng, with both patients having a history of travel to a neighboring country grappling with a cholera outbreak. Subsequently, the outbreak rapidly spread, affecting 17 out of 52 districts across five provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North-West, and Limpopo.

In a significant stride towards strengthening public health capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) played a pivotal role in a transformative initiative that underscores its commitment to global health security. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Training of Trainers program recently held in Cape Town, South Africa stands as a testament to WHO's dedication to enhancing disease surveillance capabilities and bolstering national health emergency preparedness.

August 1, 2023- The recent outbreak of Cholera in South Africa was met with a strong response from Government and its partners to bring the situation under control. With the outbreak contained, it becomes necessary for the country to strengthen capacity and seek ways to containing and reducing impact of outbreaks.

Richards Bay, South Africa, 03 August 2023 – Dr. Owen Kaluwa, the WHO Representative in South Africa, made a special appearance at the Cholera preparedness and readiness training in Richards Bay, where he took a moment to acknowledge the efforts of the participants in containing the recent Cholera outbreak. The event coincided with his busy schedule attending the 13th BRICS Ministers of Health Meeting, which focused on "Bridging Sustainable Health for Universal Health Coverage."

Close to 100 participants representing countries and areas who are part of WHO’s Elimination-2025 initiative, WHO staff from the Headquarters, Regional Officers, and Country Offices, members of the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification, as well as observers came together in Cape Town, South Africa during the 4^th Annual Global Forum of Malaria-Eliminating Countries.