Botswana On the Search Mode for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in the Country
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%.
Angola: Health authorities and partners embark on new phase of yellow fever outbreak
Luanda, 04 July 2016 - As Angola’s yellow fever surveillance system across the country reports a remarkable decrease in the number of cases for the first time in six months, national authorities with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are beginning a new phase in the outbreak response.
Kongo Central Province: social mobilisation and yellow fever risk communication efforts continue in land border checkpoints
Ango-Ango (Matadi, Kongo Central), 8 July 2016 -- In a bid to intensify health information dissemination and effective communication among the population living on both sides of the border, in response to the yellow fever epidemic hitting both Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a WHO risk communication and social mobilization team, supported
Kenya takes steps to save mothers’ lives, showing why better data matters
In 2013, Kenya’s Ministry of Health was faced with a debate over the alarming rate of women dying in childbirth: was the cause deep-rooted cultural values, or could lives be saved with policy interventions?
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
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
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.
Fifteen African Countries and Partners Take stock of Progress Made in Access to Medicines
‘Good Results Require Sustained Efforts’
Nigeria aligns national protocol to WHO ‘Treat All’ guidelines on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
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
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.