Botswana On the Search Mode for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in the Country

Left to Right: School Head, Ms Moje (Kasane P. School) Mr Tembo (Lab) and Dr J. Mwansa (consultant) during school visit

8 July 2016 - The Botswana Ministry of Health continues the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The active search for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) was conducted across 10 villages (11 schools) in the Chobe district commencing from the 23rd June to 30th June 2016. In 2015, LF mapping was conducted in 6 districts (Chobe, Ngami, Okavango, Tutume, North West, and Bobonong) bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe where the disease is known to be endemic. Out of these districts LF was found only in Chobe at a prevalence of 1%.  

WHO, governments and health agencies commit to advancing global health security

Bali, Indonesia, 30 June 2016 – The World Health Organization (WHO), governments, financial institutions, development partners, and health agencies from across the world have committed to accelerate strengthening and implementation of capacities required to cope with disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

Kenya launches Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Master Plan 2016-2020

 Dr Jackson Kioko , Ag Director of Medical services  gives opening remarks on behalf of Cabinet Secretary

Nairobi, June 2016 - Kenya launched the second Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Master Plan 2016 - 2020 on 15 June 2016. Present at the launch were senior government officials, representatives of Non -Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the UN, academia, research institutes, Civil Society,  the media, people affected by NTDs  and several other  stakeholders collaborating with the Kenyan government to combat the NTDs in Kenya. 

Botswana trains newly recruited Malaria Elimination Surveillance Officers

Dr Ovberedjo (with raised hand) emphasizing team work in ensuring Botswana eliminates malaria

Gaborone, 30 June 2016 --  “An excellent surveillance and response system is key to achieving and maintaining malaria elimination”. This was the assertion of Dr Magda Robalo, WHO AFRO CDS Director  when officially opening a four-day innovative and intensive technical orientation for newly recruited district surveillance officers via video link. She commended the Government of Botswana for prioritizing surveillance and building requisite capacity.

Nigeria aligns national protocol to WHO ‘Treat All’ guidelines on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment

(L-R) Prof Carles Uwakwe(, Prof Suliaman Akanmu, Dr Evelyn Ngige, Dr Bilali Camara, Dr Dorothy Mboringacha, Dr Meg Doherty; Dr Rex Mpazanje, and Prof Shittu.

Abuja, 28 June, 2016 - Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole has prompted the National AIDS and STIs Control Program (NASCP) of Nigeria to quickly adapt the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 ‘treat all’ guidelines. The Minister gave the directive during a 3-day meeting in Abuja which ended on 25 June, 2016. The kernel of the adaptation aims to quickly align the country’s protocols to WHO revised standards towards the 2020 global targets.

Roll back malaria partnership to step up malaria outbreak response

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Kampala 27th June 2016:- Twenty seven (27) districts in are currently experiencing a Malaria upsurge.  They include Koboko, Nebbi, Moyo, Adjumani, Amuru, Nwoya, Gulu, Oyam, Lamwo, Kitgum, Agago, Hoima, Bundibugyo, Amuria, Nakasongola, Kamuli, Busia, Serere, Kumi, Bukedea, Ngora, Butambala and Lyantonde among others.