March 2018 In 1996, poliovirus paralysed more than 75,000 children across the continent, in every single country. That year, Nelson Mandela launched ‘Kick Polio Out of Africa’, marking the launch of a unique, cross-se…
Read moreWHO: Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak is slowing, but remains a concern.After nearly 400 confirmed infections and 100 deaths, the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria is beginning to slow but the epidemic is far from contained, the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have warned. NCDC’s latest data shows that the number of new confirmed and probable cases has been falling for five consecutive weeks, indicating that public health measures are proving effective, but more infections are expected until the end of the dry season, as the viral haemorrhagic fever is endemic to the area. Between 1 January and 25 March 2018, the NCDC reported 394 laboratory confirmed cases. There were 18 new confirmed cases in the last reporting week (19-25 March 2018), compared to 54 confirmed cases a month earlier (19-25 February 2018).
Read moreNafissa Ikerodah is both a detective and diplomat of sorts. On a Saturday morning in early March, the Disease Surveillance Officer in Edo State area rushes to a household where a man has just died of Lassa fever.
Read moreWHO works with 16 African countries to prepare for the potential spread of listeriosis. The outbreak occurred in South Africa and was declared over in September.
Read moreNearly two hundred participants from East and Southern African (ESA) countries including EPI managers and partners are attending a three day annual EPI Managers’ Meeting for ESA in Kigali, Rwanda, to deliberate on the progress and remaining challenges in immunization in the sub region, in order to reduce morbidity, mortality and disabilities due to vaccine preventable diseases.
Read moreIn early January, John had one of the most terrifying experiences of his life. The mechanic from a rural community in Edo state in southern Nigeria came down with Lassa fever. “I was scared the illness would kill me,”…
Read moreWHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Moeti Matshidiso was awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine the highest honour that is bestowed by the school to an individual. Dr Moeti…
Read moreThe World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has concluded her official visit to Senegal at the invitation of the Senegalese Government. The visit was from 26 -28 February 2018.
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