Communication Strategy for National Health Insurance

South Africa is moving towards universal health coverage (UHC) through the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) and establishment of a unified health system. The move is based on the principle of the Constitutional right of citizens to have access to quality healthcare services that are delivered equitably, affordably, efficiently, effectively and appropriately based on social solidarity, progressive universalism, equity and health as a public good and a social investment. Key to the implementation of NHI is a communication strategy to help stakeholders familiarize themselves with NHI. In order to understand the perceptions of various social groups on the National Health Insurance (NHI), the National Department of Health commissioned the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), Rhodes University to undertake focus group research as a specialized entity on communication and media engagement

Comparison of Private Hospital Prices in SADC countries with Hospital Prices in OECD Countries

Recent study by OECD concluded that private hospital prices in South Africa are expensive for South Africans. The study showed that price levels for private hospital services in South Africa are comparable to the levels observed across OECD countries and that they (price levels) are around the levels observed in countries with much higher GDP levels, such as France, Germany or the United Kingdom. The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) of Southern Africa has expressed interest in collaborating with WHO to replicate the study among the SADC countries. Experts on health financing have been consulted and they have agreed with WHO South Africa and BHF that the study is necessary in the SADC region.

South Africa conducts its first National TB Prevalence Survey 2017-2018

South Africa conducts its first National TB Prevalence Survey 2017-2018
For several years South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDoH), has been planning to conduct its first National TB Prevalence Survey. The Survey aims to determine the true burden of TB disease through bacteriological assessment among the population aged 15 years and older. It will be implemented in 110 randomly selected clusters across the country and will consist of a sample size of 55 000 subjects. In partnership with the NDOH, the survey is being implemented by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) over a period of 24 months. The WHO country office (WCO), in collaboration with WHO Headquarters (WHO HQ) has played a key role in the preparatory stages and implementation of the survey. This includes protocol and SOP development, resource mobilization, training and mentorship, as well as the coordination of partners.

Peer review of WCO-South Africa end of biennium monitoring and reporting

Peer review of WCO-South Africa end of biennium monitoring and reporting
The World Health Organization Country Office in South Africa organized the all staff peer review meeting on 14 December 2017 to cherish accomplishments of 2016-17 workplans, draw lessons from the challenges encountered and better execute the 2018-19 plans. After reviewing the output performance assessment the team revisited outputs which were partially achieved or not achieved. The office stands at 94% of the outputs achieved at the end of the biennium.

Eritrea: 2017 World AIDS Day Commemoration

Hon. Minister of Health, Mrs Amina Nurhussien and a section of the participant

This year World Aids Day was launched on December 1, 2017 in the beautiful port of Massawa at Cinema Aida with the theme entitled: “Right To Health”.  Everyone with the Right to realize the highest attainment standard of Health without Stigma and Discrimination’.

Training on Malaria Elimination Surveillance

Practical training sessions going on

WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health conducted training at Orotta Hospital conference Hall in October 2017 for participants from all districts (zobas), head offices, Malaria programme staffs, Health Management Information System (HMIS) and WHO staff.

WHO Eritrea Country Office Assumes a Functional Review: 11-15 December 2017

Functional Review Team meeting with the WR and all staff members

Asmara, 11 December 2017 - The time had reached for WHO Eritrea Country office for the functional review exercise to undertake; starting from December 11, 2017. The six-days exercise was part of the WHO transformation agenda (2015-2020). The purpose of the functional review is to ensure the Country Office has adequate and appropriate workforce to support Eritrea’s health priorities. Eritrea WHO Country Office is the 15th to be reviewed among the 18 countries scheduled for this year.

Kenya meets Guinea Worm Free Certification Criteria

An elated Director of Medical Services Dr Jackson Kioko (centre) and team respond to the news ' Kenya meets the GW Certification criteria' and closer to GW-free status. From left: Drs. John Ogange (WHO), Dr Peter Cherutich (MOH), Dr Joyce Onsongo (DPC, WHO) and Dr Sam Mahugu (MOH)


Monday, Dec 18, 2017
Kenya has met the criteria for Guinea worm free certification status, following a comprehensive evaluation in the country in the last two weeks by the International Certification Team (ICT). 
The team for evaluating the status of Guinea Worm Disease found no evidence of Guinea Worm transmission in the last three years, in the presence of adequate surveillance and follow- up of rumours of the disease, putting the country on track to the Guinea Worm-free certification status.