Stakeholders of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) initiative, including participants and facilitators from the WHO Regional Office for Africa, WHO Headquarters, the EIOS Core Team, AFRO Member States and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), organized workshops and training sessions. EIOS Champions Workshop Senegal, August 2024.
The Angolan Ministry of Health, through the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programme, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Camões - Portuguese Cooperation Centre and the Private University of Angola (UPRA), held a ‘Tea of Ideas’ in Luanda on the mental health situation in Angola. The event was an opportunity for journalists, digital influencers and specialists from the different institutions mentioned above to exchange experiences and learn, with the aim of discussing the problem of mental health in Angola and officially presenting the Mental Health Art Competition. The competition, under the theme ‘Mental Health: A Right for All’ is open for entries until 6 September and includes the categories of Poetry, Photography, Written Journalism and Painting, with the aim of promoting reflection and awareness of mental health through artistic expression.
The Angolan Ministry of Health, through the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programme, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Camões - Portuguese Cooperation Centre and the Private University of Angola (UPRA), held a ‘Tea of Ideas’ in Luanda on the mental health situation in Angola. The event was an opportunity for journalists, digital influencers and specialists from the different institutions mentioned above to exchange experiences and learn, with the aim of discussing the problem of mental health in Angola and officially presenting the Mental Health Art Competition. The competition, under the theme ‘Mental Health: A Right for All’ is open for entries until 6 September and includes the categories of Poetry, Photography, Written Journalism and Painting, with the aim of promoting reflection and awareness of mental health through artistic expression.
The Angolan Ministry of Health, through the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programme, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Camões - Portuguese Cooperation Centre and the Private University of Angola (UPRA), held a ‘Tea of Ideas’ in Luanda on the mental health situation in Angola. The event was an opportunity for journalists, digital influencers and specialists from the different institutions mentioned above to exchange experiences and learn, with the aim of discussing the problem of mental health in Angola and officially presenting the Mental Health Art Competition. The competition, under the theme ‘Mental Health: A Right for All’ is open for entries until 6 September and includes the categories of Poetry, Photography, Written Journalism and Painting, with the aim of promoting reflection and awareness of mental health through artistic expression.
Stakeholders of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) initiative, including participants and facilitators from the WHO Regional Office for Africa, WHO Headquarters, the EIOS Core Team, AFRO Member States and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), organized workshops and training sessions. EIOS Champions Workshop Dakar, August 2024.
Floods in Chad and damage to the health system July/ October 2024
Malaria campaign
The response of the WHO emergency medical team in Chad following the explosions at the N'Djamena ammunition depot
The response of the WHO emergency medical team in Chad following the explosions at the N'Djamena ammunition depot
The response of the WHO emergency medical team in Chad following the explosions at the N'Djamena ammunition depot
COM team in the east Joint visit to the transit site of the Adré high school by the AFRO and EMRO teams
COM team in the east Joint visit to the transit site of the Adré high school by the AFRO and EMRO teams
COM team in the east Joint visit to the transit site of the Adré high school by the AFRO and EMRO teams
Celebration of Africa Immunization Week
COM team in the east Joint visit to the transit site of the Adré high school by the AFRO and EMRO teams
Training of all staff in External Communication in Equatorial Guinea, Malabo
Institute Pasteur, Dakar, Senegal Senegal carried out, in April 2024, the formal evaluation of its pharmaceutical sector regulatory system, with the technical and financial support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The country thus becomes the first French-speaking state in the African Region to have carried out this exercise. The official results of this evaluation are expected in the coming weeks. Through this assessment, Senegal is embarking on the path to improving its pharmaceutical regulatory system, by aligning national practices with the highest international standards, thus consolidating its capacity to guarantee quality, safety and effectiveness of drugs and vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of reforming the national pharmaceutical sector. Indeed, it exacerbated the challenges facing the country in this area, including fragmented governance, inadequate regulations and poorly defined roles. Faced with this situation, Senegal, supported mainly by the WHO, has committed to reforming its regulations, with the creation of the Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ARP) in 2022. This coordination and governance structure has enabled a significant improvement in the management of the pharmaceutical sector and a strengthening of its regulatory system.
Senegal carried out, in April 2024, the formal evaluation of its pharmaceutical sector regulatory system, with the technical and financial support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The country thus becomes the first French-speaking state in the African Region to have carried out this exercise. The official results of this evaluation are expected in the coming weeks. Through this assessment, Senegal is embarking on the path to improving its pharmaceutical regulatory system, by aligning national practices with the highest international standards, thus consolidating its capacity to guarantee quality, safety and effectiveness of drugs and vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of reforming the national pharmaceutical sector. Indeed, it exacerbated the challenges facing the country in this area, including fragmented governance, inadequate regulations and poorly defined roles. Faced with this situation, Senegal, supported mainly by the WHO, has committed to reforming its regulations, with the creation of the Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ARP) in 2022. This coordination and governance structure has enabled a significant improvement in the management of the pharmaceutical sector and a strengthening of its regulatory system.
World Health Organization (WHO) in Sénégal, has set up an epidemiological monitoring system which has made it possible to deploy 19 consultants from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in its 14 regions. Operating at the health center level of the health districts, these consultants have the role of supporting routine vaccination teams, strengthening epidemiological surveillance and helping to reach “zero dose” children. Their approach is based on vaccination within health structures affecting populations within a radius of 15 kilometers and on the deployment of mobile teams to reach people living in more distant areas. Thanks to this two-pronged strategy, vaccination coverage in the western district of Dakar has significantly increased, going from 70% to 85% in less than a year, from January to November 2023.
A WHO staff member conducting in-depth discussions with a family during the assessment mission of the surveillance system for poliomyelitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in Gabon, with the objective of making strategic recommendations to increase the sensitivity of the system and ensure a rapid and effective response to prevent or contain any spread.
In October 2024, former tobacco farmers from Busia County share with Kenyan media the positive impacts they've experienced since transitioning to bean farming.
WHO is supporting the Angolan government as at least 5.5 million children between the ages of zero and four will be vaccinated against polio during a national campaign taking place across the country from 17 to 19 of May
WHO support the Nigeria government in strengthening Human systems by increasing resources for health
Community announcers are very critical in ensuring optimal coverage during vaccination activities. Here a community announcer is mobilizing eligible population
WHO Country Representative to Lesotho, Dr. Richard Banda
WHO-trained Rapid Responders evaluate the aftermath of the April 29th flash flood in Mai Mahiu, offering essential health support to affected communities. From March to May 2024, Kenya experienced exceptionally heavy rains, leading to widespread devastation, including fatalities, disease outbreaks, and severe infrastructure damage. Mai Mahiu was one of the worst affected areas. On the night of April 29th, torrential rains in Mai Mahiu caused water to accumulate beneath a railway embankment. The embankment eventually gave way, resulting in a powerful flash flood. The floodwaters rapidly engulfed families, trees, cars, and homes. In response to the disaster, WHO emergency teams and WHO-trained Rapid Responders quickly mobilized. They assessed the situation and provided essential health support to the affected families and communities in Mai Mahiu and other impacted regions across Kenya.
WHO-trained Rapid Responders evaluate the aftermath of the April 29th flash flood in Mai Mahiu, offering essential health support to affected communities. This event took place during Kenya's exceptionally heavy rainy season in 2024. From March to May 2024, Kenya experienced exceptionally heavy rains, leading to widespread devastation, including fatalities, disease outbreaks, and severe infrastructure damage. Mai Mahiu was one of the worst affected areas. On the night of April 29th, torrential rains in Mai Mahiu caused water to accumulate beneath a railway embankment. The embankment eventually gave way, resulting in a powerful flash flood. The floodwaters rapidly engulfed families, trees, cars, and homes. In response to the disaster, WHO emergency teams and WHO-trained Rapid Responders quickly mobilized. They assessed the situation and provided essential health support to the affected families and communities in Mai Mahiu and other impacted regions across Kenya.
WHO-trained Rapid Responders evaluate the aftermath of the April 29th flash flood in Mai Mahiu, offering essential health support to affected communities. From March to May 2024, Kenya experienced exceptionally heavy rains, leading to widespread devastation, including fatalities, disease outbreaks, and severe infrastructure damage. Mai Mahiu was one of the worst affected areas. On the night of April 29th, torrential rains in Mai Mahiu caused water to accumulate beneath a railway embankment. The embankment eventually gave way, resulting in a powerful flash flood. The floodwaters rapidly engulfed families, trees, cars, and homes. In response to the disaster, WHO emergency teams and WHO-trained Rapid Responders quickly mobilized. They assessed the situation and provided essential health support to the affected families and communities in Mai Mahiu and other impacted regions across Kenya.
From March to May 2024, Kenya experienced exceptionally heavy rains, leading to widespread devastation, including fatalities, disease outbreaks, and severe infrastructure damage. Mai Mahiu was one of the worst affected areas. On the night of April 29th, torrential rains in Mai Mahiu caused water to accumulate beneath a railway embankment. The embankment eventually gave way, resulting in a powerful flash flood. The floodwaters rapidly engulfed families, trees, cars, and homes. In response to the disaster, WHO emergency teams and WHO-trained Rapid Responders quickly mobilized. They assessed the situation and provided essential health support to the affected families and communities in Mai Mahiu and other impacted regions across Kenya.
After the April 29th flash flood in Mai Mahiu, Ngeya Junior Secondary School has been transformed into a shelter for displaced families. Partners work together to ensure essential services, including food and health care are provided to affected families. From March to May 2024, Kenya experienced exceptionally heavy rains, leading to widespread devastation, including fatalities, disease outbreaks, and severe infrastructure damage. Mai Mahiu was one of the worst affected areas. On the night of April 29th, torrential rains in Mai Mahiu caused water to accumulate beneath a railway embankment. The embankment eventually gave way, resulting in a powerful flash flood. The floodwaters rapidly engulfed families, trees, cars, and homes. In response to the disaster, WHO emergency teams and WHO-trained Rapid Responders quickly mobilized. They assessed the situation and provided essential health support to the affected families and communities in Mai Mahiu and other impacted regions across Kenya.
Finda Kargbo, 36, lives in Grafton, also in Western Rural Area district, with her four children. She took her youngest child, Mary Bangura, to the Grafton Community Health Centre to receive the first dose of the malaria vaccine. “When I heard about the malaria vaccine, I was happy. I know after taking the malaria vaccine, all my stress will now go away and I thank God for that,” says Kargbo.
Handover of Emergency Preparedness Supplies (CBRN) Red Roof Ministry of Health Compound March 2024
Isata F. Amara, Expanded Programme on Immunization focal point at Grafton Community Health Centre, Western Rural Area, administers the first dose of malaria vaccine to six-month-old baby Mary Bangura at Grafton Community Health Centre, the day after Sierra Leone officially introduced malaria vaccination on 25 April. WHO supported Sierra Leone through the AMVIRA programme to ensure a smooth introduction and roll-out of the malaria vaccine in the country.
On 6 April 2024, over two thousand people gathered in Luanda to participate in a health walk, a significant event marking World Health Day. Organized by the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Government of Luanda, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), this five-kilometre march from the Port to the Bay of Luanda not only celebrated advances in public health but also highlighted present and future challenges, calling for joint efforts and strengthened partnerships to improve the health of the Angolan population.
On 6 April 2024, over two thousand people gathered in Luanda to participate in a health walk, a significant event marking World Health Day. Organized by the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Government of Luanda, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), this five-kilometre march from the Port to the Bay of Luanda not only celebrated advances in public health but also highlighted present and future challenges, calling for joint efforts and strengthened partnerships to improve the health of the Angolan population.
On 6 April 2024, over two thousand people gathered in Luanda to participate in a health walk, a significant event marking World Health Day. Organized by the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Government of Luanda, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), this five-kilometre march from the Port to the Bay of Luanda not only celebrated advances in public health but also highlighted present and future challenges, calling for joint efforts and strengthened partnerships to improve the health of the Angolan population.
Alusine, a patient with type 1 diabetes, checks his glucose levels with a glucometer provided by the noncommunicable diseases (NCD) clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, Sierra Leone, on 5 April 2024. The NCD clinic is supported by Partners In Health (PIH) and is part of the WHO led PEN-Plus strategy, allowing the clinic to provide care and treatment to patients with chronic and severe NCDs including sickle-cell disease, type 1 diabetes, chronic heart conditions and chronic liver diseases. Alusine is a father and primary school teacher in Koidu. Initially, he was diagnosed at a different clinic, but he was incorrectly prescribed a medication which didn’t help his diabetes symptoms. As his symptoms worsened, he decided to visit the NCD clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, where he was correctly diagnosed and put on the correct medication. Alusine is now on regular insulin and has been given a glucometer so he can measure his own glucose levels at home. The clinicians have also advised Alusine on lifestyle and dietary changes which help him to keep the condition under control. “It has helped a lot because since I began this treatment, I am more active and able to focus clearly on my work. Before I was very fatigued and struggled to do my job properly,” he said. All of his treatment and medication comes at zero cost. “I don’t pay anything so I will continue on this treatment. If this was not free it would be very difficult for me to get this medicine. I would be spending my entire salary on the medication," he said. Alusine also attends a peer group with other type 1 diabetes patients where they can discuss the condition and ask questions to health workers. The peer group also set up a WhatsApp group so that the patients and health workers can remain in contact when they are not at the hospital. Related: https://www.afro.who.int/news/boosting-efforts-transform-care-severe-chronic-diseases-africa
Nurse Lillian (right) leads a daily health discussion at noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinic at the Koidu Government Hospital, Sierra Leone, on 4 April 2024. The NCD clinic is supported by Partners In Health (PIH) and is part of the WHO led Pen-PLUS strategy, allowing the clinic to provide care and treatment to patients with chronic and severe NCDs including sickle-cell disease, type 1 diabetes, chronic heart conditions and chronic liver diseases. As patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and other NCDs gather clinic, a general heath discussion takes place. Patients are educated about healthy lifestyle and dietary decisions which will help improve their health outcomes. Patients are also encouraged to ask questions as an open discussion about healthy living takes place. Related: https://www.afro.who.int/news/boosting-efforts-transform-care-severe-chronic-diseases-africa
Eight-year-old Amza, who is being treated for sickle-cell disease, and his mother Yei attend an appointment with nurse Lillian at at the noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, Sierra Leone, on 4 April 2024. The NCD clinic is supported by Partners In Health (PIH) and is part of the WHO led PEN-Plus strategy, allowing the clinic to provide care and treatment to patients with chronic and NCDs including sickle-cell disease, type 1 diabetes, chronic heart conditions and chronic liver diseases. Amza was diagnosed with sickle-cell disease in 2018, when he was three, after his mother noticed he had become weak, fatigued and often had fever. “He was weak, tired and not interested in playing at all. I brought him to the hospital and we stayed for one week while he received many different tests. I was so confused – I asked myself ‘Where did this sickness come from? Why is he sick?’’ explains Amza’s mother, Yei. In 2018 the NCD clinic at Koidu Government Hospital was unable to treat sickle-cell disease, so the family was referred to a private clinic where they received medicine and advice. Following this diagnosis, the family was able to better manage Amza's symptoms, but he regularly missed school classes and exams. In 2023 Amza become very sick and his mother brought him back to the Koidu Government Hospital, where he was referred to the NCD clinic. Since the introduction of PenPLUS, the clinic is now able to diagnose and treat patients with sickle-cell disease. Amza underwent a blood transfusion at the NCD clinic and now, thanks to the Pen PLUS project, he receives all medicines and treatments at zero cost. “Since this new treatment he hasn’t had any serious crisis, and the symptoms are more manageable. We usually get one- or two-months' supply of medication and then only visit the clinic if his symptoms become worse,” explains Amza’s mother. His mother has also learnt from the NCD clinic some non-pharmaceutical techniques to manage pain such as lifestyle and diet changes as well as massage techniques. Related: https://www.afro.who.int/news/boosting-efforts-transform-care-severe-chronic-diseases-africa
Eight-year-old Amza, who is being treated for sickle-cell disease, and his mother Yei attend an appointment with nurse Lillian at the noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, Sierra Leone, on 4 April 2024. The NCD clinic is supported by Partners In Health (PIH) and is part of the WHO led PEN-Plus strategy, allowing the clinic to provide care and treatment to patients with chronic and NCDs including sickle-cell disease, type 1 diabetes, chronic heart conditions and chronic liver diseases. Amza was diagnosed with sickle-cell disease in 2018, when he was three, after his mother noticed he had become weak, fatigued and often had fever. “He was weak, tired and not interested in playing at all. I brought him to the hospital and we stayed for one week while he received many different tests. I was so confused – I asked myself ‘Where did this sickness come from? Why is he sick?’’ explains Amza’s mother, Yei. In 2018 the NCD clinic at Koidu Government Hospital was unable to treat sickle-cell disease, so the family was referred to a private clinic where they received medicine and advice. Following this diagnosis, the family was able to better manage Amza's symptoms, but he regularly missed school classes and exams. In 2023 Amza become very sick and his mother brought him back to the Koidu Government Hospital, where he was referred to the NCD clinic. Since the introduction of PenPLUS, the clinic is now able to diagnose and treat patients with sickle-cell disease. Amza underwent a blood transfusion at the NCD clinic and now, thanks to the Pen PLUS project, he receives all medicines and treatments at zero cost. “Since this new treatment he hasn’t had any serious crisis, and the symptoms are more manageable. We usually get one- or two-months' supply of medication and then only visit the clinic if his symptoms become worse,” explains Amza’s mother. His mother has also learnt from the NCD clinic some non-pharmaceutical techniques to manage pain such as lifestyle and diet changes as well as massage techniques. Related: https://www.afro.who.int/news/boosting-efforts-transform-care-severe-chronic-diseases-africa
Nurse Lillian (left) explains to Umu, 26, (right) about dietary and lifestyle changes at the noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, Sierra Leone, on 3 April 2024. The NCD clinic is supported by Partners In Health (PIH) and is part of the WHO-led Pen-PLUS strategy, allowing the clinic to provide care and treatment to patients with chronic and severe NCDs including sickle-cell disease, type 1 diabetes, chronic heart conditions and chronic liver diseases. Umu is a teacher in Koidu living with type 1 diabetes. Before her diagnosis, she was feeling constantly fatigued and suffering from insomnia. She believed she must have been suffering from malaria or typhoid so was taking medications but not seeing any improvement in her condition. The situation for Umu changed when she collapsed unexpectedly on the way to class at Njala University. Her friends rushed her to the hospital and she was taken immediately into the emergency department. By this time Umu’s condition was serious and she had lost consciousness. “I was admitted in the hospital for one week while they tried to work out what was wrong with me. They ran so many different tests to try and find the problem – HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, typhoid – until finally they discovered I was suffering from type 1 diabetes,” explains Umu. Umu was given medication and discharged to the regular ward for three days of observations. On the day of discharge she was taken to the NCD clinic, which is where they were able to explain in more detail about the condition and how to manage it at home. Umu was given a glucometer and and insulin pen so that her condition could be monitored and treated at home. “I said to them ‘what am I going to do with this pen?’ and they told me this is the pen I will use to treat the diabetes. They showed me how to use the pen and also talked about the different foods I should eat, or not eat, to keep the condition under control. I wasn’t too confident using the pen so for the first week I continued coming to the clinic every morning and afternoon to get their assistance. After that time, I was able to stay at home and administer the medicine myself.” Through the PEN-Plus strategy, diabetes patients like Umu are given glucometers and insulin pens to take home so they can self-monitor their glucose levels and adjust their treatment as needed. Patients keep a record of the glucose levels so that the clinicians can better monitor their condition when they come for checkups. The NCD clinic has also set up WhatsApp support groups between patients and clinicians so that patients can communicate directly with clinicians if they are unsure about their glucose readings at home. “Because I can do the glucose testing at home it means I only need to visit the clinic once every two or three months, so long as my glucose levels remain steady,” Umu explains. Thanks to the care provided by the NCD clinic and PEN-Plus, Umu was able to complete her studies and begin her career as a teacher. She now considers herself as a role model to others suffering from type 1 diabetes. “Receiving this treatment has encouraged me to be a role model myself. Because if I meet someone who is suffering from diabetes and then they see how I am living my life to the fullest, then it will encourage them to go for the same treatment and improve their own life. I am a changed person and now I need to help change other people’s lives,” Umu says. Related: https://www.afro.who.int/news/boosting-efforts-transform-care-severe-chronic-diseases-africa
RD Visit to Seychelles Meeting with the President of the Republic of Seychelles State House Mahé Island Seychelles
AFRO SIDS Health Ministers’ Meeting Walk the Talk Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles March 2024
Visit to the CTC of the CHRI of Hombo, island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros. The emergency manager of the WHO Comoros office, accompanied by the Minister of Health and partners in joint supervision. Comoros declared a cholera epidemic on February 2, 2024.
Visit to the CTC of the CHRI of Hombo, island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros. The emergency manager of the WHO Comoros office, accompanied by the Minister of Health and partners in joint supervision. Comoros declared a cholera epidemic on February 2, 2024.
Visit to the CTC of the CHRI of Hombo, island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros. The emergency manager of the WHO Comoros office, accompanied by the Minister of Health and partners in joint supervision. Comoros declared a cholera epidemic on February 2, 2024.
Visit to the CTC of the CHRI of Hombo, island of Anjouan, Union of the Comoros. The emergency manager of the WHO Comoros office, accompanied by the Minister of Health and partners in joint supervision. Comoros declared a cholera epidemic on February 2, 2024.
In the courtyard of the Kaya Urban Health Center, in the Center-North region, a line of mothers who have come to vaccinate their children gradually forms in the shade of the tree where vaccination is taking place. Measles vaccination campaign in Burkina Faso. Mothers who came to have their children vaccinated return home after the children's vaccination.
Measles vaccination campaign in Burkina Faso. A health worker with a cooler carries vaccines to the vaccination point.
Measles vaccination campaign in Burkina Faso. At a refugee site in the North-Central region, a child is vaccinated against measles
