Sierra Leone maximizes protection against polio with new vaccine launch

A cross section of officials, health workers and community members at the launch of the IP vaccine in Freetown

FREETOWN, February 23 2018 --- Today Sierra Leone officially introduced injectable polio vaccine (or IPV) into its routine immunization programme to maximize protection against polio. IPV is used in many countries around the world to prevent the debilitating disease, and will now be available free of cost alongside the oral vaccine at health facilities across Sierra Leone. 

Health Systems Strengthening for Universal Health Coverage Scoping mission in Eritrea

Dr Delanyo Dovlo, Director of Health Systems and Services for WHO African Region making a presentation on UCH Scoping mission

This important workshop was officially opened by the Director General of Medical Services, Mr Berhane Gebretensae on behalf of Hon. Minister of Health. In his remarks, he underlined the SDGs and UHC’s unique perspective and approach that requires a serious multi- and inter-sectoral engagement. He underscored the efforts of Eritrea in developing the five-year health sector strategic development plan focusing on health security and conceptualization Universal Health Coverage.

WHO/AFRO-UK high-level delegation starts visit to Ethiopia

WHO/AFRO-UK High Level delegates started their visit in Ethiopia
A high level joint WHO/AFRO-UK delegation has been visiting Ethiopia since 20 February 2018. The delegation is led by Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa and Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England. Dr Moeti and Dame Sally Davies are accompanied by senior officials from DFID, the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and senior officials of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO).

WHO and GAVI Alliance Partners along with the Ministry of Health strategizes to vaccinate over 485 000 children under one year of age in 2018

Honorable Dr Riek Gai Kok, Minister of Health addressing the delegates during Joint Appraisal meeting

Despite widespread conflict and insecurity, South Sudan has witnessed a remarkable improvement in routine vaccination coverage in 2017. Since the introduction of the pentavalent – or five-in-one vaccine for infants that combines five antigens, namely: Diphtheria; Pertussis; Tetanus; Hepatitis B (HB) and Haemophilus influenza type b, the country raised pentavalent vaccine coverage from 45% in 2016 to 57% in 2017.

Amid insecurity, WHO scaling up routine immunization coverage in South Sudan

Mr Abdulaziz Gwarzo EPI consultant training vaccinators during the phase II meningitis campaign

Amid widespread conflict where over 1.9 million people displaced due to insecurity, ensuring all children receive life-saving vaccines can be a challenge.

To strengthen and increase routine immunization coverage in conflict affected areas, WHO conducted multiple service delivery activities including accelerated outreach, measles follow-up campaign and phase II of the meningitis campaign in the conflict affected states of Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile to reduce the risk of vaccine preventable diseases including measles and meningitis outbreaks.

WHO leads and conducts “Health in All Policies” workshop in Gauteng Province Research and Innovation Summit

WHO Country Representative in South Africa, Dr Rufaro Chatora, presenting on “Sustainable development goals: where are we?”
As part of ongoing initiatives and programmes to provide integrated people centred health services, South Africa’s Gauteng Department of Health held an inaugural provincial Summit titled Research and Innovation Summit at Birchwood, Johannesburg. Themed “Evidence and innovation for long and healthy lives: confronting risks and unlocking the potentials”, the summit: 1. Created a learning opportunity that brought together the WHO, academia, administrators, students, community representatives, oversight bodies, lawmakers, health service providers, exhibitors and leaders from across the province and international participants. 2. Promoted and strengthened the state of translational research and health system strengthening as well as patient safety in the Province. 3. Encouraged researchers, practitioners and managers to use research outcomes for evidence based planning and sharing strategies and innovations to improve health systems performance.

Rwanda Immunization success story

HPV Vaccination

Context and Issue

• Rwanda suffered a catastrophic genocide against the Tutsis in 1994
• This disaster and the ensuing war resulted in total disruption of the country’s health system including immunization service delivery.
• Following this incident, the national immunization coverage was very low (less than 30% in 1995) and incidence of vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) was high (e.g 28,000 measles cases in 1995);
• Only 6 traditional vaccines were provided in routine immunization programme in 1994.

WHO contribution