Maiduguri,11 December 2017 - Following the successful implementation of the first oral cholera vaccination campaign (OCV) in Nigeria, more than 3500 team members, 80 independent monitors and 50 ward focal persons are currently administering a second dose of OCV in six high risk local government areas (LGAs) of Borno state. The exercise aims to ensure that the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has affected more than 5000 persons including 61 deaths, is swiftly brought under control. 

Dr Felix Anyah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Korle-bu teaching hospital has won the Health Award at Impact Africa Summit held on 30 November, 2017 at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, Ghana, under the theme ”Sustainable Development Goals-Building Partnerships”.

Zambia declared a cholera outbreak on 6th October, 2017 after two laboratory confirmed cases were recorded from Mazyopa area in Chipata sub-district in Lusaka district. The outbreak has since spread to other sub-districts within Lusaka and to Chongwe and Shibuyunji districts in Lusaka province including the Copperbelt and Central provinces. The outbreak is affecting people of different age groups including children under the age of five with more than 650 cases and 20 deaths recorded.

WHO has reaffirmed its support for initiatives and networks for harmonization and convergence of regulatory practices including establishment of the African Medicines Agency; as well as provide training through the WHO Global Learning Opportunities, WHO Collaborating Centres and Regional Centres of Regulatory Excellence.

“Reporting Health for behavioural change”

Dr. Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita presented his letters of credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Harry Kalaba at a brief ceremony which was held in Lusaka on 7 December 2017. This follows his recent appointment as the WHO Representative to Zambia. The Minister welcomed Dr. Bakyaita to Zambia and congratulated him on being appointed to his new position as he accepted his letters of credence. He assured Dr. Bakyaita of the Government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the World Health Organization in improving the health of Zambians.

7 December 2017, Johannesburg, South Africa – This week, immunization experts from across the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region and beyond convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the biannual Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) meeting. The RITAG serves as the principal advisory group to the WHO Regional Office for Africa, offering strategic guidance on regional immunization policies and programs.

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - Reproductive health and family planning experts have agreed to scale up access to quality family planning and improved reproductive health services for young people.

7 December 2017, Dodoma: Yesterday, the United Nations in Tanzania became the first international organization to move to the new capital city, Dodoma. This was marked by the inauguration of the new United Nations Office by the Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim M. Majaliwa.

Geneva, 8 December 2017 – Uganda has successfully controlled an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) and prevented its spread only weeks after it was first detected, the World Health Organization said on Friday (December 8). 

“Uganda has led an exemplary response. Health authorities and partners, with the support of WHO, were able to detect and control the spread of Marburg virus disease within a matter of weeks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.