WHO provides 3,360 testing kits to Uganda for screening the COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern

COVID-19 vaccination in Uganda

Kampala, December 09, 2021: - As part of the prevention and rapid identification of a new COVID-19 variant in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) with a total of 3,360 test kits for the genotyping of variants of concern.

 "These PCR screening assay kits procured by WHO is a boost to the county’s existing capacity to identify the predominant Delta variant and indicate the presence of Omicron, the new COVID-19 variant of concern."- Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda's Minister of Health.

Omicron spreads but severe cases remain low in South Africa

Omicron spreads but severe cases remain low in South Africa
The Omicron variant is reaching more countries in Africa and weekly COVID-19 cases in the continent surged by 93%. However, there are signs of hope as preliminary data indicates that hospitalizations across South Africa remain low.

Namibia joins “Zero Malaria Starts With Me” campaign

Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Honorable Dr Ester Muinjangue

Namibia joins 21 other African Countries with the recent launch of the ‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me’ campaign. 

This pan-African movement aims to accelerate prevention efforts against malaria and calls on individuals, communities, political leaders, and private sector to make a personal commitment towards malaria prevention.  

COVID-19 pandemic slows progress against tuberculosis

COVID-19 pandemic slows progress against tuberculosis
The COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption to health services has seen an increase in tuberculosis deaths in Africa, the first such rise in more than a decade, while the decline in new cases slowed down, an analysis by World Health Organization (WHO) shows.

WHO South Sudan conducts a consultation meeting with the Ministry of Health to review the draft 2022-2023 biennium plan.

Dr Paul Samson Baba, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Dr Fabian Ndenzako, the WHO Representative a.i. for South Sudan joined by Directors General and other top officials from the Ministry of Health and WCO technical staff in a group photo during the 2022-2023 biennium plan meeting in Juba

6 December 2021, Juba -The World Health Organization (WHO) South Sudan Country Office held a consultative meeting with the senior management of the Ministry of Health on 6 November 2021. The aim of the meeting was to align WHO workplans for 2022-2023 biennium with country priorities. 

WHO plans in two-year cycles (biennium) with the current biennial plan 2020-2021 ending on 31 December 2021. 

Africa cuts HIV infections, deaths but key targets still elusive

Africa cuts HIV infections, deaths but key targets still elusive
Africa has made significant progress against HIV over the past decade, reducing new infections by 43% and nearly halving AIDS-related deaths. However, the continent is unlikely to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 with many countries falling behind key elimination milestones and COVID-19 aggravating challenges, an analysis by World Health Organization (WHO) finds.

HIV/AID-protection and early detection, promise of health

A Pharmacist sorting out HIV medications in a HIV center in UYO

Uyo, 7 December, 2021 - To Ms Emmanuela Ezekiel will never forget the day, 12 years ago, when her life took a painful turn.

The 39-year-old lady was living with her husband in Uyo, Akwa Ibom when she felt sick and decided to visit the hospital. After running series of tests, she was confirmed HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive at the age of 28. 

Marrying Public Health with Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr. Shangula and WHO Representative, Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses joined by partners at the launch of the National eHealth Strategy.

Imagine a woman in a remote setting needing to return to the nearest health facility for follow-up treatment receiving a reminder on her mobile phone or a patient needing the next prescription of her hypertension medication receiving this by email without the physical contact at a health facility. Although these may seem small, it makes a difference in improving equitable access to health care to remote and underserved communities without the financial ruin or impoverishment.