EBOLA - Hope is at the end of the tunnel in Mangina - (East of the DRC)

Athanase Ndungo Bonane
Mangina (North Kivu), 17 August 2018. "I was under a lot of stress and experienced insomnia  mixed with nightmare all night," says Sister Darlène Mwasi, a registered nurse at the Mangina referral health centre, which is more than 30 kilometres southwest of the town of Beni in North Kivu. 

WHO Director General and Regional Director for Africa laud Uganda on Ebola outbreak operational readiness

Uganda's Prime Minister Rt. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda (right) receives WHO Director General Dr Tedros at the Kampala Serena Hotel

Kampala, 16 August 2018: The Director General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti visited Uganda on their way from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assess the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) response. They were received by the WHO Representative in Uganda, Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam who briefed them on WHO support to the operational preparedness of Uganda to respond to an outbreak.

Elaboration of the first comprehensive Multi Year Plan on Immunization for Mauritius

WHO supporting the elaboration of the first comprehensive Multi Year Plan on Immunization for Mauritius
In view of leveraging advocacy and strengthening of resource mobilization for vaccination and immunization, a four-day workshop is being held at Labourdonnais Hotel, Port Louis, Mauritius from 13-17 August 2018.  The overall objective of the workshop is to facilitate the elaboration of the first comprehensive Multi Year Plan (cYMP) for Mauritius. Health professionals including Regional Public Health Superintendents and technical officers from the Communicable Diseases Control Unit (CDCU), Public Health Nursing Officers, Laboratory Services Director, Advisor and Consultant, Procurement Officers, Transport officers and Human Resources Officers, Health Statisticians, Finance Officers and Health Records Officers are being trained on the strengthening of the national budgeting and planning for immunization.  Participants needs to understand  how much it costs to reach programme objectives, who will pay for these needs and how to prioritize activities based on available funding.  A credible estimate of the funding gaps will facilitate future discussion with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on how to mobilize the resources required for the programme as well as informs decision makers on how to achieve programme improvements.

WHO calls for free and secure access in responding to Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom and WHO Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti visiting Ebola treatment centre in Mangina
WHO’s global and African regional leadership saw first-hand the complexities of implementing the Ebola response in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in visits with the Ministry of Health officials to affected areas over the last two days. While this is the country’s 10th Ebola outbreak, it is the first time that the disease has struck a densely populated active conflict zone.

Ebola vaccination begins in North Kivu

Ebola vaccination begins in North Kivu

8 August 2018, Mangina/Geneva - The Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo today announced the launch of Ebola vaccinations for high risk populations in North Kivu province.

The vaccinations have begun just one week after the announcement of a second outbreak of Ebola this year in the country. A total of 44 cases have been reported so far, of which 17 have been confirmed.

Work has begun to prepare ring vaccination in the Mangina health area, 30km from the town of Beni.

Staff Association hosts welcome event for new WR

Dr Gasasira with Mrs Gore Staff Association President, MR Avognon, OO and Dr Nabyonga former OIC

The Zimbabwe Staff Association today hosted a tea and cake event to welcome the new WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Alex Gasasira to the office. Dr Gasasira assumed office on 6th August 2018. The event, which was held in the Boardroom, was an opportunity for Dr Gasasira to meet the staff and for the staff to extend a warm Zimbabwean welcome to him.
Mr Patrick Avognon, the Operations Officer led the staff in welcoming Dr Gasasira with “Mauya!” the shona word for welcome. He said the Zimbabwe team welcomes Dr Gasasira and is ready to work under his leadership.

Ghana launches the Parliamentary TB Caucus

Group photograph of TB Parliamentary Caucus and other invited guest at the launching

Ghana on 02 August, 2018 made strides when it launched its Parliamentary TB Caucus. The launch of this body was done by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honorable Joseph Osei-Wusu. This event organized by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership and the Aurum Institute took place at the Parliament House.

Nigerian Government partners with the World Health Organization to improve healthy ageing

Centre (from left to right) : In light blue jacket, Baba Idris Haliru, Dr Andrew Mbewe (WHO) and Mrs Abigael Molme (Molme Foundation). Behind: Some of the beneficiaries of the intervention at Goza IDP camp.

 Abuja, 8 August, 2018 - Baba Idris Halilu Ibrahim is a retiree in in his late 70’s.  A native of Gwoza local government area, Borno State, Baba Idris fled his hometown and relocated to Goza IDP camp in Abuja when terrorists attacked his village in August 2014.   

“Since coming to Abuja, I thank God I have been able to access at least three meals a day and basic healthcare,” he says.
“I wonder what would have happened to me if I decided to remain in Gwoza like my fellow elderly friends,” he states tearfully.