Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

WHO, Ghana and Norway agree to accelerate actions to save lives in first International Strategic Dialogue on Noncommunicable Diseases and the Sustainable Development Goals

Heads of State highlighted the urgency of the NCD pandemic, which kills 7 out of 10 people globally

WHO welcomes the establishment of a new Heads of State and Government Group to accelerate progress towards the SDG target for noncommunicable diseases  ̶ a one-third reduction in “premature” deaths from diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart and lung disease and the promotion of mental health and well-being. The decision was taken…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Anticipatory action and timely response help avert major outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable from health effects of drought

The anticipatory action project has also supported scaling up of essential health care services, including treatment of severely malnourished children in nutrition stabilization centres across the states covered

Somalia has witnessed intermittent drought over the last 3 decades. Each drought, and natural catastrophe, has brought with it a string of health consequences, magnified even further in a country with fragile and vulnerable health system. CERF support delivering anticipatory action To respond to an impending drought situation in Somalia…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus: Global partnership to make available 120 million affordable, quality COVID-19 rapid tests for low- and middle-income countries

The Global Fund commits an initial US$50 million to enable countries to purchase the new tests

A full access package includes WHO policy guidance on the use of antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests, manufacturer volume guarantees for low and middle-income countries, catalytic funding to assist governments to deploy the tests and an initial US$50 million procurement fund; several rapid, point-of-care antigen tests are being assessed by WHO for…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus: Somalia marks 6 months of COVID-19

Close collaboration among United Nations agencies, and with health authorities, has helped mount a strong response to the outbreak

Somalia is no stranger to emergencies. For decades, Somalis have passed down to younger generations their rich, vibrant culture, along with mechanisms to cope with all kinds of challenges they have faced over the years. Their resilience and Somalia’s health system have been tested yet again in the last 6…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus - Africa: 172 Countries & Multiple Candidate Vaccines engaged in COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility

Goal of bringing the pandemic under control via equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines needs urgent, broadscale commitment and investment from countries

Nine CEPI-supported candidate vaccines are part of the COVAX initiative, with a further nine candidates under evaluation, and procurement conversations on-going with additional producers not currently receiving research and development (R&D) funding through COVAX – giving COVAX the largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in the world; 80 potentially…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus - Kenya: Canada and WHO working together to combat COVID-19 at a critical stage in Kenya

Government of Canada is providing CDN 1.5 Million to WHO Kenya

In recent weeks we have observed with concern the rising numbers of COVID cases and scaling up of community transmission in Kenya. We have also seen a reverse in individual’s behavior, from wide-spread compliance before opening up locked-down locations to people now not wearing masks, keeping distance or sustaining hygiene…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus - Cameroon: North-West and South-West Regions, Health Cluster Update

In South West region, 10 out of the I8 health districts reported confirmed cases of COVID-l9. 79% of the cases have been recorded in Buea and Limbe health districts

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: In NW region, 16 out of the I9 health districts reported confirmed cases of COVID-l9. 68 % of the cases have been recorded in Bamenda and 13% of total cases recorded in Fundong health district. In SW region, 10 out of the I8 health districts reported confirmed cases…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus - Libya: Health Sector Bulletin

There was a reported serious lack of capacity in the south to handle the COVID-19 response

KEY ISSUES Expected shift of lines of military control from LNA/Benghazi to GNA/Tripoli. The humanitarian situation is defined by Libyan authorities as dire and aggravated by COVID-19. There was a reported serious lack of capacity in the south to handle the COVID-19 response. South-specific list of recommendations was developed. Health…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus - South Sudan: With EU support, WHO enhances standard infection prevention and control practices in laboratories to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in South Sudan

Since COVID-19 outbreak was declared in South Sudan, surge laboratory personnel have been engaged to support additional testing needs in National Public Health Laboratory

Over 50 health workers in Juba have been trained this past week with the aim to enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in laboratories and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and other infectious diseases. With funding from the European Union (EU), the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Coronavirus - Africa: More than 150 countries engaged in COVID-19 vaccine global access facility

The COVAX Facility, and the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) within it, is designed to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for every country in the world

Seventy-five countries submit expressions of interest to COVAX Facility, joining up to 90 further countries which could be supported by the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC); the COVAX Facility, and the AMC within it, is designed to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for every country in…