Brazzaville, 22 June 2016 – As the yellow fever outbreak in Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo continues, the World Health Organization will launch emergency pre-emptive vaccination campaigns on the DR Congo, Angola border and the city of Kinshasa in the DR Congo to halt the epidemic and prevent the risk of further international spread.

Monrovia 22 June, 2016: Ministry of Health Liberia launched the World Blood donor Day on 21stJune under the theme “Blood connects us all” and a slogan ‘save a life donate blood’. This theme highlights the dimension of sharing and the connection between blood donors and patients. Access to safe blood and blood products is in line with the Investment plan to building a resilient health system.

A global report titled “Mental Health Funding and the SDGs: What now and who pays?” was launched in, Freetown, Sierra Leone on 21 June 2016. The report prepared by Jessica MacKenzie of UK’s Overseas Development Institute was commissioned by the World Health Organization and the Mental Health Innovation Network with funding from Grand Challenges Canada. The Report highlights current mental health funding partners, funding gaps and potential new funders that could potentially improve access and quality of mental health services around the world.

Abuja, 22 June 2016 - Finalization of the National Health Policy revised for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UCH) and other health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has ended in Abuja.

Juba, 20 June 2016 - On 18 June 2016, residents of the Naivasha Residential Compound (the security approved compound for UN international staff) conducted emergency drill exercises to test plans and promote awareness of staff roles and responsibilities during an incident scenario. The simulation was held at the Naivasha Residential Compound.

The simulation consisted of a “scheduled exercise” held on the morning of June 18, 2016, to bring together the internationally recruited staff from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and WFP.

The objective of the exercise was:

Juba, 17 June 2016 - WHO South Sudan in partnership with the MOH, Core group, UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) conducted a three-day refresher training for field supervisors and assistants from the three conflict affected states, namely Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile, from 15 to 17 June 2016 at Juba Regency Hotel.

Already a proven leader in HIV/AIDS management and control, Botswana once again blazes a new trail for the rest of the world to follow. On 3rd June 2016, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana Lt. Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama launched Botswana’s Treat All Strategy. The Strategy eloquently promotes Universal Health Coverage and ensures that all who test positive get treatment no matter their viral load or CD count.

Kampala, 17th June 2016 - Northern Uganda has the highest prevalence of Sickle cell trait and malaria in the country standing at 18.6% and (63%) respectively .This was revealed in a Sickle cell survey done in 2014 by the Ministry of Health (MoH) with support from Makerere College of Health Sciences and Cincinnati Children’s hospital. The study further revealed that East-Central regions come second with a sickle cell prevalence of 16.7% and malaria at 56%.

When a major outbreak of yellow fever hits, countries need to access vaccine supplies urgently for rapid vaccination campaigns to control spread of the disease.

Dr. Abdulmumini Usman, World Health Organization`s Country Representative in South Sudan explains key health challenges, WHO`s current activities and what specific needs could be met with further funding in the future.