Zanzibar - The islands that make up Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania evoke notions of history and deep-rooted culture, across the backdrop of a vibrant economy of spices, tourism, and fishing. The island has become gradually vulnerable to disease outbreaks and other public health concerns.

In order to ensure a safer future for all, Zanzibar has been utilizing the national surveillance and response systems for early detection to manage the spread of disease outbreaks.

The World Health Organization in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Uganda, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the German Agency for International Corporation (GIZ), and the East African Community has concluded a week-long scoping mission to tailor the country’s capacity to implement the flagship initiatives on Epidemic Preparedness and Response (ERP).

The Ministry of Health and Social Services in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) recently gathered for an After-Action Review (AAR) meeting in response to the recently ended Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic (CCHF) outbreak.   Various stakeholders gathered in Windhoek for a three-day meeting from 1-3 August 2023, to document activities that were carried out during the recently ended CCHF outbreak. 

In a remarkable collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in South Africa, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), a National Bridging and One Health Framework five-day workshop

Polio, a disease targeted for eradication, has been a persistent focus for South Africa. In 2006, South Africa proudly received its polio-free certification, a significant milestone. However, in 2017, this status was rescinded, only to be regained in 2019. The entire African continent achieved Polio Free Certification in 2020. Nevertheless, the unforeseen challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic compromised vaccination efforts, leading to a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including polio, in Southern Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says a strategic solution to the equal distribution of vaccines is for developing nations to have their own capacity to produce vaccines. “It is really important to build our own capacity in systems, processes and institutions,” Dr Tedros said during a high-level meeting with Namibia’s Head of State, His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, on 30 August 2023.

In an important collaboration that demonstrates the link between education, leadership, and communal welfare, 18 students from the Private University of Angola (UPRA) embarked on a transformative journey, lending their youthfulness, energies, and intellect to the national polio campaign in Angola.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has commended Namibia for its commitment to Universal Health Coverage. “I would like to thank you for your commitment to Universal Health Coverage for all Namibians,” said Dr Tedros during a meeting with Namibia’s President Dr. Hage Geingob.  Dr. Tedros noted that in a country like Namibia where the population density is low, and the settlements are sparsely populated, providing services is a challenge.