Mutare’s young “Blood Heroes” honored on World Blood Donor Day

Some of the blood donors in front of the banner

Mutare, 14 June 2012 -- Zimbabwe’s young “blood heroes” were acknowledged and honored as the country joined the rest of the world in celebrating world blood donor day under the theme “Every Blood Donor is a Hero”.

This year’s commemorations were held at Sakubva 2 High School in Mutare. Sakubva 2 High School donated the highest number of blood units in the Manicaland province and nationally in 2011. For coming out tops, the school received a floating shield, certificate, and a top of the range PC and Color Printer.

World Blood Donor Day 2012 commemorations in Tanzania

Guest of Honour, Hon. Leonidas Gama, visiting the blood donation pavilion in the Kilimanjaro region

This year, the World Blood Donor Day was commemorated nationally in the northern region of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro.

The occasion was officiated by the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Hon. Leonidas Gama on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Hon Dr. Hussein Mwinyi and attended by the Lordship Mayor of Moshi Municipal, regional officials, ministry of health officials, WHO staff, CDC, DANIDA and other partners, voluntary blood donors, the media and the Kilimanjaro community members.

Major events on WBDD, 2012

Countries Urged to Raise Awareness on Importance of Blood Donation

Brazzaville, 14 June 2012 – Countries in the African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) should intensify their efforts to raise public awareness on the importance of blood donation and the recruitment and retention of new donors in order to ensure availability of blood in a sustainable way in national blood transfusion services.

Ministry of Health Discusses Sustainable Immunization Financing with Members of Parliament

Dep. Speaker of Parliament making a statement

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) with support from SABIN Vaccine Institute, WHO and UNICEF, held a one day symposium to raise awareness of Members of Parliament (MPs) on the importance of vaccination and solicit their support for sustainable immunization financing (SIF).
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Chukuma Johnson delivering the key note address said, “parliamentarians must not underestimate their critical role in achieving the goal of health care financing.”

Sierra Leone Launches National Cancer Registry

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Sierra Leone launched a National Cancer Registry and the Sierra Leone Cancer Charity on 12 June 2012 in Freetown. Mr Mamoud Tarawallie, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, launched the Registry and the Charity on behalf of H.E the President of the Republic.

Action needed to prevent a new epidemic of sleeping sickness in South Sudan

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6 June 2012 – Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is currently on the rise in South Sudan. The disease is transmitted by tsetse fly and is 100% fatal without treatment. It is endemic in Greater Equatoria State. 

A person recently-affected by the disease may not feel any symptoms for months or may present with symptoms that mimic other common diseases such as malaria. 

WCO hosts Wellness Days 2012

WR, Dr Mandlhate making her opening remarks

Harare, 4 June 2012 -- In line with WHO’s call for people to adopt healthy lifestyles, WCO Zimbabwe held its annual wellness days for staff, their dependents, and partners at their Highlands complex.