Gaborone, Botswana - 29 March 2018: The University of Botswana (UB) School of Nursing, which has been a WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development (WHOCC) since 1990, has been re-designated with expanded terms of reference for another 4 years. The re-designation occurred after a visit by a WHO AFRO/HQ assessment team visited the centre in conjunction with the WHO country office. The team also held discussions with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in terms of the centre’s potential contribution to health and development in Botswana.

With the protracted crises in South Sudan, the scale and severity of humanitarian situations continues to rise, hence efficient forecasting, procurement, distribution and rational use of WHO emergency health kits is critical to ensure timely delivery of essential emergency health services.

Eritrea launched the National Health Security Action Plan: 2017- 2021 at Asmara Palace on 27 March 2018. The Honorable Minister of Health, Ms Amina Nurhussien, launched the five year National Action Plan for health security.

The Ministry of Health with WHO support organized from 12 to 16 March 2018, a multisectoral workshop on the initial self-evaluation of IHR using the Joint External Evaluation(JEE) tool.

The workshop was opened by Dr Innocent Turate, Head of Department of IHDPC/RBC, who reminded participants that this workshop is a key step for the strategy to achieve the SDG n° 3.d focusing on international public health threats prevention and control.

Abuja, 28 March 2018 - The 35th Expert Review Committee for Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization (ERC) has expressed optimism that the Nigerian programme is on course to achieving polio eradication with ‘impressive progress’ recorded. The ERC meets periodically to evaluate progress towards the attainment of a polio-free Nigeria. The monitoring body provides guidance to the government and partners.

Maiduguri, 28 March 2018 -  “When I heard the voice of my favourite singer, Fati Niger, on radio this morning, she simply made my day,” says Mallam Usman, a 39 year old year old internally displaced person in Dalori camp, Maiduguri, Borno state. 

“My spirit was elated, and instantly I felt relieved of my worries. But more importantly, I learned how to protect myself and my household from cholera, meningitis and Lassa fever. I was keen to listen more, but the music was cut short. I wish it played on and on and on,” said Usman.