World Health Organization African Region

Join us for an insightful webinar on men’s mental health in Africa! We'll discuss key factors affecting mental well-being and ways to enhance mental health support for men across the region. Date: November 19, 2024 Time: 13:00-15:30 (Brazzaville time) Scan the QR code to join! Passcode: @MMHA2024

The DRC’s National Fight Against HIV/AIDS Programme has long used peer learning to raise awareness of risks associated with the condition and appropriate measures to prevent infection. Recognizing its crucial role in disseminating information within communities, WHO has collaborated with the programme team and is providing technical and financial support to enable the programme to expand its community engagement efforts to include information on #mpox. Community engagement is key to controlling ongoing outbreaks, and this innovative initiative is helping us reach at-risk groups with critical information to prevent viral transmission and save lives. #MpoxResponse

#Rwanda has discharged the last #Marburg patient, kicking off the mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the end of the outbreak. The country has reported no new confirmed cases since 30 October 2024. While the last patient has been discharged, the health authorities are staying vigilant to ensure swift response to any new cases. Read more ➡ : https://bit.ly/4hzNcfT

3 weeks until the Global Oral Health Meeting ➡ : https://bit.ly/3NVM48K. Oral health remains a neglected part of person-centred health care and well-being globally and regionally. Leveraging this global oral health meeting, in which around 30 Member States delegates from the WHO African region will participate, we call on multilateral and bilateral stakeholders, along with the non-health and private sectors, to join hands with ministries of health in driving a multi-sectoral response to the region's silent epidemic of oral diseases by integrating oral health as part of NCDs, PHC and UHC agendas! #OralHealthForAll  #GlobalOralHealthMeeting2024 

WHO estimates that fewer than half of affected children tell anyone they experienced violence, and under 10% receive any help. If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing violence or abuse, don’t keep it hidden. Listen to them, help them find support. https://bit.ly/4hCR4wE #EndViolence

Children are at a higher risk of severe illness when infected with #mpox due to their developing immune systems. In response to the ongoing outbreaks in the African region, WHO has developed guidelines for mpox prevention and control in school settings. These measures aim to reduce transmission, protect students and staff, and ultimately save lives. Implementing these guidelines is crucial for creating safer school environments and supporting the health of our communities.   Read the full guidelines here: https://lnkd.in/drbB8CH8

This year alone, there have been over 10,000 lab-confirmed mpox cases including 34 deaths in the WHO African region, alongside 47,000 suspected cases including more than 1,000 deaths. In response, WHO is working closely with countries and partners to control the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations. From increasing vaccinations to training health workers and helping countries transition from outbreak to containment, significant progress is being made. Here are some important wins from the past week, as WHO continues to support countries in managing mpox and safeguarding communities across the region. ⬇️

Last week, the WHO Africa Regional Emergency Hub in Nairobi led a critical advocacy mission to Uganda to strengthen the country’s response to its escalating mpox outbreak. With Uganda now ranking third in Africa for confirmed cases, following DRC and Burundi, urgent action is needed. This high-level mission, led by Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General and Deputy Executive Director of the WHO Emergencies Programme, brought together key leaders, including: • Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, Regional Emergency Director • Dr Charles Njuguna, WHO Representative for Uganda • Dr Miriam Nanyunja, Senior Risk Management and Preparedness Officer • Ms. Heraa Hajelsafi, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Director-General During the visit, the team met with Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, members of the parliamentary health committee, and key partners. These discussions underscored the Ministry of Health’s commitment—supported by high-level government leaders and partners—to intensifying a coordinated response in line with WHO’s mpox response guidance. While significant efforts are underway, additional funding remains crucial to further scale-up the response, enhancing preparedness in non-affected districts, and build a resilient health system in Uganda. With unwavering support, Uganda can establish a responsive health infrastructure to safeguard its people against emerging health threats. Now, more than ever, we must invest in resilience, ensuring communities are protected and Uganda is equipped to face the future. #HealthSecurity #MpoxResponse #EmergencyPreparedness

#Mpox vs. #Marburg: Know the difference and stay informed! Learn more about the symptoms, spread, and what actions to take if you suspect infection. Keep yourself and your community safe!

Idriss Muhindo, a community mobilizer in the Miti Murhesa health zone, #DRC, regularly monitors the health and well-being of individuals who have been in contact with #mpox cases. WHO has trained and equipped 350 community mobilizers like him to strengthen surveillance in nine health zones across South Kivu.