Managing an explosive Cholera Outbreak in South Sudan
One year ago, on 28 October 2024, South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak. The outbreak began in Renk, a border town between Sudan and South Sudan, triggered by the influx of returnees and refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan, before spreading to other areas.
To date, nearly 95 000 suspected cases and over 1 500 deaths have been reported from 55 counties across 9 States and all 3 Administrative Areas.
Launch of the hepatitis community of practice marks a new chapter in africa’s fight against viral hepatitis
Managing an Explosive outbreak of Cholera caused by multiple importations: One-Year experiences and lessons learnt
Op-Ed By Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan
South Sudan is combating its largest and longest cholera outbreak since independence in 2011. The outbreak, which began in September 2024 has been sustained for now one year, testing the country’s experiences, defining new frontiers to interrupt transmission and providing new lessons for future similar outbreaks.
Religious leaders, health authorities, and WHO meet to validate minimum WASH and health Standards for Religious institutions
Over 60 participants, including representatives from the Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI), the Amhara Regional Health Bureau (RHB), religious leaders, the World Health Organization and partners, gathered for a two-day workshop to validate the "Minimum Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Health Requirements for Religious Institutions in the Amhara Region".
The initiative marks a new phase in Ethiopia’s fight against recurrent cholera outbreaks—combining the influence of faith leaders with public health expertise to protect communities and strengthen outbreak preparedness.
Garissa health workers trained on WHO global competency standards to strengthen care for refugees and migrants
Garissa County—Twenty-five frontline health workers from Garissa County have completed a five-day training on the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Competency Standards for Health Workers providing care to refugees and migrants, equipping them with skills to deliver people-centred and culturally sensitive services in one of Kenya's busiest border regions.
Nigeria reviews mpox guidelines and boosts community awareness to reduce transmission.
Abuja, Nigeria is taking significant steps to strengthen its national response to mpox by updating its clinical management guidelines, improving referral and data systems, and expanding public awareness to prevent community transmission.
WHO and Katyavala Bwila University hold scientific conference in Benguela
Benguela – The Faculty of Medicine of Katyavala Bwila University (FMUKB), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), held today the Benguela Scientific Conference on Public Health and Innovation, under the theme “Resilience and Innovation in Outbreak Response: The Benguela Experience.”
Zambia launches malaria vaccine to protect over half a million children
Lusaka – The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the malaria vaccine (R21/Matrix-M) as part of its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), marking a historic milestone in the country’s fight against malaria. Over 500 000 children aged 6‒8 months will be vaccinated in the months following the launch.
Tanzania Steps Up Maritime Health Security: Building Capacity to Inspect and Certify Ships for Public Safety
Dar es salaam: In a major step toward strengthening regional health security, Tanzania has officially gained the capacity to inspect ships and issue internationally recognized Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This milestone enhances the country’s ability to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases through maritime routes and positions Tanzania as a leader in port health preparedness.