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WHO supports Mauritius in developing a national medicine policy to ensure access to ...

From a mother seeking antibiotics for her child at a clinic, to a cancer patient in need of lifesaving therapy, medicines are no ordinary commodities. They are lifelines. They manage pain, control chronic illness, treat infections, and save lives. Mauritius is embarking in the development of a national medicine policy with the support of WHO: “The national medicine policy will ensure the population of Mauritius has access to good quality medicines,” said the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mr Sarwansingh Purmessur at the opening of the workshop. It shows the commitment of the country in achieving Universal Health Coverage, added Mr S. Purmessur. “Mauritius relies heavily on imported medicines; A strong National Medicine Policy is the backbone of a well-functioning pharmaceutical system. It will bring transparency, accountability, and resilience in a world of increasing health threats and economic volatility. said the WHO Representative, Dr Anne Ancia. “Today’s landmark workshop marks the commitment of Mauritius in ensuring safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines for all citizens” This initiative unites various health professionals including clinicians, pharmacists, regulators, academics, wholesalers, member of pharmacy council and other health professionals to contribute to the development of a policy that will meet the specificities of the country and the local context.

Senegal Introduces Hexavalent Vaccine into its National Immunization Programme

Dakar - On July 1, 2025, Senegal officially launched the introduction of the hexavalent vaccine into its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Following in Mauritania's footsteps, Senegal is part of this regional dynamic of vaccine innovation. This vaccine is a combination that protects against six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and poliomyelitis. It replaces the pentavalent and inactivated polio vaccines (IPV), previously administered separately.

UN leaders engage WHO Botswana to strengthen coordination and multilateral collabora...

GaboroneIn an expression of strengthened partnership and renewed commitment to multilateralism, the WHO Botswana Country Office recently hosted two high-level courtesy calls from newly appointed UN leaders, Ms. Wenyan Yang, the UN Resident Coordinator in Botswana, and Ms. Nthisana Motsete-Phillips, Botswana’s incoming Permanent Representative to Switzerland and the United Nations in Geneva.

WHO collaborates with media managers in the fight against mpox in Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Today, senior media executives gathered for a crucial meeting convened by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s response to the ongoing mpox outbreak. With over 4,000 cases reported, the meeting underscored the essential role of the media as active partners in halting the spread of this preventable disease.

Sierra Leone strengthens capacity on genomic surveillance and bioformatics

Freetown, Sierra Leone - In a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing mpox outbreak response and genomic surveillance capacity, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) in Freetown hosted the mpox Genomics and Bioinformatics training workshop from 23rd – 27th June 2025The event was organized under the theme: “Strengthening Genomic Surveillance Capacity for mpox Response in Sierra Leone,” with technical and financial support from the World Health Org

WHO supports health response in flood affected Mokwa, Niger State

Minna, 28 June, 2025 - In response to severe flooding that displaced thousands and disrupted health services in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with state authorities and partners to address urgent health needs and restore access to essential care.
 

WHO supporting Guinea restore vaccine capacity after fire damage

Conakry - Following a fire accident at a vaccine depot in Guinea’s capital Conakry, World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the authorities to devise urgent measures, including securing remaining vaccine stocks, to limit loss and prolonged impact of the damage. 

A crisis cell has been set up and contingency plans are being reinforced. 

Mauritius Takes Bold Steps Toward Climate-Resilient Health System with Landmark heal...

Mauritius marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards building a climate resilient health system faced to the growing threats against climate change with the dissemination of the comprehensive findings of the advanced draft Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment report - spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Wellness with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Green Climate Fund(GCF). “As a small island developing state, Mauritius faces unique threats from climate change—rising seas, extreme weather, and evolving disease patterns. This V&A Assessment report is crucial for understanding how climate affects health and for identifying those most at risk.” said Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative, intervening during the opening of the workshop. Mrs M. Ramkhelawon, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness, emphasized the urgency of the initiative : “Climate change is not a distant threat—it is already impacting our health system. This assessment provides the evidence we need to act decisively and protect our most vulnerable citizens”. Mauritius, despite its strong public health infrastructure and commitment to universal health coverage, remains highly exposed to climate-related threats. Cyclones and floods have led to a resurgence of vector- and water-borne diseases, threatening hard-won progress in disease control – highlighting the urgent need for adaptive and mitigating strategies.

Sierra Leone sustains digital health gains through nationwide health facility device...

Freetown - In a major step to sustain gains in digital disease surveillance, Sierra Leone has completed another successful round of nationwide troubleshooting of health facility devices used in electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR). Conducted in May and June 2025, the technical exercise covered all 16 districts and aimed to enhance the performance and sustainability of the country’s electronic reporting system.