In 1995, polio affected all countries across Africa and paralysed more than 75,000 children for life. The following year, Nelson Mandela launched a new campaign: ‘Kick Polio Out of Africa.’ His hope was that polio would follow the only human disease ever consigned to the history books: smallpox. Today we are one step closer to achieving that goal.
Good morning to the members of the media.
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The Ebola outbreak that is ravaging parts of west Africa is the largest, most severe, and most complex in the nearly four-decade history of this disease.
This is Ebola Zaire, the most deadly in the Ebola family of viruses. This is a dreaded virus that is highly contagious, but under only two very specific settings. Read more
Today, 3 September 2015, WHO declares Liberia free of Ebola virus transmission in the human population. Forty-two days have passed since the second negative test on 22 July 2015 of the last laboratory-confirmed case. Liberia now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance.
Brazzaville, 1 December 2016—The World Health Organization Regional Director for the Africa Region, Dr Matshidiso Moeti congratulates Dr John Nkengasong on his appointment as the first director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC).
By Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, 11 December 2015
Health is widely considered to be a fundamental human right, yet the sad truth is that far too many people around the world still do not have access to basic health care. Millions of Africans in particular are unable to access or afford the services they need to survive and thrive without incurring financial hardship.
The first meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) [IHR (2005)] regarding the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD, or “Ebola”) outbreak in West Africa was held by teleconference on Wednesday, 6 August 2014 from 13:00 to 17:30 and on Thursday, 7 August 2014 from 13:00 to 18:30 Geneva time (CET).
Read the statement
Dr Matshidiso Moeti Op-Ed: Africa’s Great Polio Legacy
Remarks at a press conference: Cuban government announces substantial support to WHO Ebola response
Ebola transmission in Liberia over. Nation enters 90-day intensive surveillance period
WHO Africa Regional Director congratulates Dr John Nkengasong on appointment as inaugural Africa CDC director
Toward Universal Health Coverage in Africa
WHO Statement on the Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Regarding the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa