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  • Cholera: WHO says 307,433 cases recorded in 7 months

    Cholera: WHO says 307,433 cases recorded in 7 months

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says a total of 307,433 cholera cases and 2,326 deaths were reported from 26 countries, across five WHO regions from Jan. 1 to July 28.

    The organisation said in a statement yesterday that the Eastern Mediterranean Region recorded the highest number, followed by the African Region, the South-East Asia Region, the Region of the Americas, and the European Region.

    “No outbreaks were reported in the Western Pacific Region during this time.

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    “The cholera response continues to be affected by a critical shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV), as demand continues to outpace supply, with 105 million doses requested by 18 countries since January 2023, nearly double the 55 million doses produced in this period,” it said.

    According to WHO, the global resurgence of cholera has been classified as a grade 3 emergency in January 2023, the highest internal level for emergencies in WHO.

    It said, “Based on the number of outbreaks and their geographic expansion, alongside the shortage of vaccines and other resources, WHO continues to assess the risk at the global level as very high and the event remains classified as a grade three emergency.”

  • Cholera staging global resurgence, WHO warns

    Cholera staging global resurgence, WHO warns

    • Bayelsa faults NCDC’s surveillance report
    • 62-year-old dies, five hospitalised in Ogun

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a resurgence of cholera in several regions of the world.

    So far, the world health body said 195,000 cases have been recorded with over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the beginning of this year.

    The agency’s Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.

    There were no reported cases in the Western Pacific Region, it said in a bulletin issued on Wednesday.

    The UN health agency said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”

    According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), latest epidemiological report, Nigeria has recorded 882 suspected cholera cases and 16 deaths, translating to a Case-Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 1.9% as of the beginning of June 2024.

    The outbreak has affected 30 states, with Bayelsa State being the most impacted, accounting for 50% of all suspected cases.

    Other affected states include Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, and Ebonyi.

    Meanwhile, the outbreak has left a 62-year-old woman dead and five others hospitalised in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The 62 -old woman succumbed to the infectious deadly disease while caring for her infected child, who is among those currently hospitalised.

    The incident which was said to have occurred three days ago was confirmed by Dr. Tomi Coker, the state Commissioner for Health

    Coker said: “A 62-year-old woman died and five persons were hospitalised. It happened in Ijebu-Igbo in the Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the state.”

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    Also, the chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), in the state, Dr. Kunle Ashimi, who spoke to reporters on  Thursday evening, admitted   the widespread impact of cholera, which, according to him, has affected other 30 states across the country.

    According to him, cases would be treated free of charge at designated facilities and urged residents to imbibe preventive measures against the spread of cholera.

    Ashimi said: “Such patients will be transported to and treated free at the facilities designated for the management of cholera cases across the state.”

    Neither the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare nor the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has found it expedient to update the nation on the cholera outbreak.

    There are also no updates on their websites indicating the in-country situation of the disease.

    Since June 13, 2024, NCDC alerted the public of the increasing trend of cholera cases that has claimed 30 lives across 96 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 states, there has been no further update about the spread and fatalities from the agency.

    The lack of timely and transparent communication from the relevant health authorities is concerning, as cholera outbreaks can have serious public health implications if not properly addressed.

    According to the agency in the June 13 health advisory, between January and the 11th of June 2024, 1,141 cases of suspected cholera have been recorded while 65 have been confirmed.

    The agency listed Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos states to have contributed 90% to the burden of the disease.

    Till the time of filing this report, neither the Health Ministry nor NCDC has updated the country on the spread, fatalities and steps being taken to combat the disease.

    Bayelsa faults  NCDC’s surveillance report

    The Bayelsa State Government through its Ministry of Health has faulted the inclusion of Bayelsa on the list of states affected by cholera epidemic outbreak as recently published by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its disease surveillance report.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Toyin Azebi, refuted the report at a joint press briefing yesterday shortly after a meeting of the Bayelsa Task Force on Immunization and Health Services presided over by its Chairman and Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Recall that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control had in its recent Epidemiological Week 22, 2024 report, placed Bayelsa as amongst the states  with the highest burden of cholera cases.

    Dr Azebi, who pointed out that there was no confirmed outbreak of cholera in Bayelsa in recent times, noted that the NCDC’s pronouncement of cholera outbreak in the state, was a total misrepresentation and should be dismissed as such.

    She emphasized that all suspected 449 cases of cholera in the state from January to date, had turned out negative from clinical laboratory tests, as they were proven to be cases of gastrointestinal diarrhea.

    The Permanent Secretary said the ministry had reached out to the NCDC on the issue, and they had reviewed the state data again and found out that their initial report was incorrect and agreed to issue a rebuttal which they had not done as at the time of the press  briefing.

    She said: “The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon do another pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak.

    “Since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cases of cholera reported across the eight LGAs. Importantly, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, indicating no new cases. We are able to even report these cases of watery diarrhea because of our optimized surveillance system across the state.

    “Extensive testing has been conducted to confirm cholera cases. Out of 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) carried out, only 14 returned positive.  Crucially, all 14 positives from the Rapid Diagnostic tests turned out negative when subjected to culture test.

    “Culture tests are the gold standard for cholera diagnosis, and no cases have been confirmed by this method. And this attests to no outbreak.

    “In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no culture confirmed positive. The state government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety.”

  • WHO warns against falsified medicines for diabetes treatment, weight loss

    WHO warns against falsified medicines for diabetes treatment, weight loss

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a medical product alert on falsified semaglutides, the type of medicines that are used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in some countries.

    WHO made this known yesterday in a statement.

    It said that the alert addressed three falsified batches of product of semaglutide class of medicines (of specific brand Ozempic).

    It said the medicines have been detected in Brazil in October 2023, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States of America in December 2023.

    “WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS), has been observing increased reports on falsified semaglutide products in all geographical regions since 2022.

    “This is the first official notice issued by WHO after confirmation of some of the reports,” it said.

    Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, said that WHO advised healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public to be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.

    Nakatani called on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.

    “The semaglutides, including the specific brand product that has been falsified, are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes in order to lower their blood sugar levels.

    “Semaglutides also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

    “Most semaglutide products must be injected under the skin on a weekly basis but they are also available as tablets taken by mouth daily,” she said.

    According to her, these medicines are shown to suppress appetite in addition to lowering blood sugar levels, and therefore are being increasingly prescribed for weight loss in some countries.

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    She said that WHO has been observing increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification.

    “These falsified products could have harmful effects to people’s health; if the products don’t have the necessary raw components, falsified medicines can lead to health complications resulting from unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight.

    “In other cases, another undeclared active ingredient may be contained in the injection device, for example,  insulin, leading to an unpredictable range of health risks or complications,” she said.

    Nakatani said that semaglutides were not part of WHO-recommended treatments for diabetes management due to their current high cost.

    She said that the cost barrier made these products unsuitable for a public health approach, which aimed to ensure the widest possible access to medicines at the population level.

    According to her, it also strikes a balance between the best-established standard of care and what is feasible on a large scale in resource-limited settings.

  • WHO to strengthen preparedness against future pandemics

    WHO to strengthen preparedness against future pandemics

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) is working on how to enhance global preparedness for future pandemics, considering the severe impact of COVID-19.

    The global health watchdog announced this at its annual meeting with government ministers and top envoys yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland.

    But the ambitious plan to adopt a comprehensive pandemic treaty has been put on hold.

    After two and a half years of negotiations, member-states could not agree on a draft by the anticipated deadline.

    Despite this, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the effort was not a failure.

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     He acknowledged the immense challenges faced by negotiators working on a tight timeline, noting that developing global treaties typically takes many years.

    During the negotiation phase, the pandemic treaty was seen as potentially one of the most significant developments in WHO’s 76-year history.

    While the immediate goal was not achieved, Tedros expressed confidence in eventual success, urging the assembly to find a way forward.

    “Of course, we all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this health assembly and cross the finish line,” Tedros said in his opening remarks.

  • NHIA boss, WHO, stakeholders push for aggressive approach to enrollment, access to quality healthcare

    NHIA boss, WHO, stakeholders push for aggressive approach to enrollment, access to quality healthcare

    The director general of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kelechi Ohiri, and other stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have expressed mixed feelings about the national coverage of Nigeria’s health insurance scheme since its inception in 1999.

    Despite modest achievements, there is still much ground to be covered, with only 1.8 million vulnerable Nigerians currently enrolled, and many more facing significant out-of-pocket spending to access healthcare, deepening poverty.

    Speaking at the Strategic Stakeholders Engagement in Abuja on Friday, Ohiri highlighted the need to address issues of low coverage, uneven distribution, and access to quality care.

    He emphasized the importance of translating experience into tangible actions, particularly regarding financial access, and expressed concern about vulnerable groups, especially women.

    The new NHIA Act, signed into law in May 2022, addresses some of the challenges of the old law, including mandatory health insurance for all Nigerians, state-specific schemes, and the creation of the Vulnerable Group Fund.

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    The DG reflected on the journey so far, accomplishments, challenges, and future directions, emphasizing the need to expand access to the informal sector and vulnerable groups.

    At the engagement that was themed ‘The NHIA Act: Two Years After – Reflections and Future Direction’, Ohiri said, “With the two years of the NHIA Act, with this engagement, it is time to reflect on the journey, accomplishments of the collective mandate, challenges and causes, and charting paths to address them.

    According to him, the need becomes imperative because while 62 percent of the formal public and private sectors are covered, the informal sector only covers one percent.

    He said expanding access to the informal sector and vulnerable groups remains the agency’s top priority.

    WHO Country Representative, Walter Mulombo, urged prioritization of data on key health insurance program outputs to support informed decision-making.

    Represented by Francis Ukwuije, a Health Economist at WHO Nigeria, Mulombo, who acknowledged the modest success of the Scheme emphasized that access to the scheme by the majority should not be downplayed and that out-of-pocket spending remains high, with catastrophic expenditures as high as 81% in some states.

    The Chief of Party of the USAID Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS) Nigeria, Bolanle Olusola-Faleye, echoed the need for collaboration, accountability, and transparency. She stressed that finance is not the only issue, but also how it is spent, and that sub-national governments and sister agencies must participate to address the challenges

  • Enforcing strong policies to reduce tobacco use

    Enforcing strong policies to reduce tobacco use

    Tobacco consumption stands as a pressing global public health issue, particularly magnified by the sizable youth population in Africa engaging in its use. Within the continent, nations like Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana, classified as high and middle-income countries, are actively striving to curb the prevalence of tobacco use and mitigate its associated health hazards.
    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a staggering 80 per cent of global tobacco users reside in low and middle-income countries, encompassing Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. Despite the well-documented health risks linked with tobacco use, these nations continue to witness a concerning rise in tobacco consumption rates. Projections from WHO indicate alarming statistics for the coming years, estimating a significant surge in tobacco users within Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon by 2025. It is anticipated that the numbers will reach 16,868,400, 1,697,800, and 7,631,000 smokers respectively in these countries.
    Amid this backdrop, a potential solution emerges in the form of tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies, offering a viable pathway to mitigate the burgeoning tobacco epidemic. Notably, Sweden’s success story serves as a beacon of hope, as the nation has achieved remarkable progress in reducing tobacco smoking rates through the implementation of comprehensive Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policies. Information gleaned from the website of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) https://www.cdc.gov, notes that “tobacco consumption has been linked with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Also, it increases the risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and immune system problems, including rheumatoid arthritis.”
    This public health challenge has been attributed to cigarettes containing combustible substances and associated toxins. To reduce the risks posed by the increasing use of tobacco products and slow down the incidence of health challenges, therefore, public health strategies have been undertaken “to manage addictive behaviours that pose severe health risks.”
    According to health authorities, the concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction acknowledges that certain individuals may struggle to abstain from risky behaviors like cigarette smoking. In such cases, public health interventions can be leveraged to mitigate potential health risks associated with these behaviours. Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is a strategic approach aimed at reducing the inherent toxicity of tobacco products and introducing less harmful alternatives to minimise the health risks associated with their use. While promoting complete abstinence from smoking has proven challenging and often ineffective, THR offers a pragmatic solution by advocating for alternatives that can mitigate the adverse effects of tobacco consumption on users’ health.

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    Among these alternatives are oral nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes. Oral nicotine pouches, in particular, serve as convenient and discreet substitutes for smoking tobacco. They are smoke-free and non-combustible, providing users with a soothing and satisfying experience without the harmful byproducts of combustion. The benefits of nicotine pouches extend to potentially offering less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes by eliminating combustion and associated toxins. Additionally, their discreet nature allows for use in places where smoking is prohibited. Furthermore, the availability of various flavors enhances the user experience, providing individuals with diverse options to suit their preferences.
    E-cigarettes, unlike tobacco, do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, the two most harmful compositions in smoking. These products have proven to help smokers reduce their tobacco intake, thereby reducing the illnesses, harm, and diseases associated with smoking tobacco. The methodology employed is a desk review of related articles on tobacco harm reduction strategies across three countries, namely Cameroun, Ghana and Nigeria.

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    To mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco, some of the world’s leading tobacco manufacturers work to create alternative reduced-risk products based on tobacco harm reduction principles. Some of the strategies they have deployed so far include measures such as controlling product distribution and authorisation; adoption of nicotine delivery systems, price and taxation, public awareness and education, stringent regulation, ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, school interventions, warning labels and plain packaging, increasing the price of cigarettes to prevent initiation, mass media involvement in tobacco control programmes, smoke-free policies and restricting access to cigarettes by minors.
    From the review, it is significant to note that promoting tobacco harm reduction strategies is a more practical step towards reducing the health risks associated with tobacco use. If the recommendations outlined in this policy brief are implemented, we can improve public health outcomes and lower tobacco smoking-related diseases and deaths.Some key recommendations by the policy for promoting tobacco harm reduction strategies in these three countries include an increase in awareness and education on harm reduction strategies for the general public, policymakers and non-health ministries.
    Governments should be transparent in their interaction with the tobacco industry by holding policy advocacy meetings in public or making minutes/reports accessible to the public. There should be a strengthened collaboration between citizens and government to improve surveillance, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms. The use of non-tobacco-based alternatives such as vapes and oral nicotine has been recommended to reduce the rate of smoking and disease burden below the acceptable average. More modern and less harmful tobacco-free products that have been introduced into the market in the last decade such as vapes (e-cigarettes) and oral nicotine pouches should be adopted. These products have been considered to be accessible, acceptable, affordable and effective as tobacco harm reduction strategies.

  • World TB Day: Africa’s End TB 2025 strategy risks jeopardy despite progress, says WHO

    World TB Day: Africa’s End TB 2025 strategy risks jeopardy despite progress, says WHO

    Africa has recorded remarkable feats in the diagnosis and care for tuberculosis, even as it faces challenges that will undermine its target of ending the disease by 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti has said.

    According to Moeti, the African region falls short of the 2025 End TB Strategy target of a 75 percent reduction.

    In a statement on Sunday to commemorate this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, she noted that the WHO African Region had a cause to celebrate, adding that since the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lomé, Togo, in 2022, a 20 percent increase has been recorded in identified paediatric TB cases compared to the previous year.

    According to her, this signifies a positive step, indicating a more practical approach to recognizing TB in children and a decisive push to end the ancient disease.

    Moeti said: “Another milestone of diagnosing 70 percent of TB patients which marks a substantial reduction in missed cases and propelling us closer to our goal.

    “This achievement is a testament to the relentless efforts of our Member States and partners, showcasing what can be accomplished through a shared vision and concerted action.

    “Between 2015 and 2022, our region achieved a remarkable 38% reduction in TB deaths, surpassing the initial End TB Strategy milestone of 35% by 2020. 

    “From 2015 to 2022, the region also saw a 23% reduction in new TB cases, exceeding the initial End TB Strategy target of 20% by 2020. All this underscores the effectiveness of implemented strategies and renewed commitment from countries.”

    She said despite this progress, the region still appears far from meeting the end-year target due to several factors that include delayed diagnosis, limited access to new tools and technologies, and the ongoing threat of multi-drug resistant TB requires continued vigilance and sustained efforts. 

    She said the concerted effort of all critical stakeholders becomes imperative because TB continues to be the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing the toll of HIV/AIDS.

    According to the latest report, about 2.5 million individuals contracted TB in 2022 in the region, equating to one person every 13 seconds.

    Additionally, she pointed out that the number of TB deaths in 2022 reached 424,000, resulting in the loss of one life every minute—even when TB is preventable and treatable.

    These figures, she said, underscore the urgency of our collective action in addressing the ongoing TB epidemic and highlight the need for sustained efforts to end it.

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    While proffering solutions on how to surmount the challenges, Moeti said: “However, while the reduction in TB deaths is commendable, it still falls short of the 2025 End TB Strategy target of a 75% reduction.

    “Similarly, the 23% decline in TB incidence misses the mark of the 50% reduction target for 2025. This highlights the need for continued and intensified efforts to meet these ambitious goals.

    “Stakeholders can join us by providing resources, enhancing community engagement, conducting research, and forming private-sector partnerships. Through this unified action, we can address the challenges of TB in Africa and achieve our goal of its elimination as a public health threat.

    “I urge all our Member States to prioritize a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the disease while bolstering our efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

    “I urge health leaders to intensify their commitment to strengthening health systems, ensuring equitable access to TB care, and scaling up innovative interventions.

    “Investing in research and developing new tools, including vaccines and improved diagnostics, is essential to accelerate progress.

    “Furthermore, countries must prioritize addressing the social determinants of TB, such as poverty, inequality, and limited access to healthcare, to achieve sustainable outcomes. Collaboration across sectors and borders is paramount.”

  • Cancer: WHO expresses concern over rising cases, tasks African leaders

    Cancer: WHO expresses concern over rising cases, tasks African leaders

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has tasked African leaders with the urgent need to prioritize the prevention of cancer care by investing hugely in it.

    Describing the cancer situation in Africa as distressing, the organization warned that without prompt action, cancer-related deaths in the region could reach approximately one million per year by 2030. 

    It also noted that within two decades, cancer death rates in Africa are expected to surpass the global average of 30%.

    In a statement marking the 2024 World Cancer Day (WCD), Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, underscored the importance of the call.

    Moeti lamented the alarming statistics, revealing that in 2022, the WHO African Region saw approximately 882,882 new cancer cases, leading to around 573,653 deaths.

    According to Moeti, the relevance of this year’s commemorative theme, ‘Together, we challenge those in power’ aptly encapsulates the worldwide call for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care, while urging them to take decisive actions toward achieving a just and cancer-free Africa.

    He said: “The cancer situation in Africa is disheartening. In the year 2022, approximately 882 882 new cancer cases occurred in the WHO African Region with around 573 653 deaths. 

    “About 50% of new cancer cases in adults in the region are due to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers.   

    “If urgent measures are not taken, cancer mortality in the region is projected to reach about one million deaths per year by 2030. 

    “Also, in 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa will overtake the global average of 30%. 

    “This is more so because cancer survival rates in the WHO African region currently average 12%, much lower than the average of over 80% in High-Income Countries.”

    While acknowledging the efforts made by African leaders in preventing the disease over the years, Moeti stressed the necessity to intensify these endeavors for the ultimate goal of making Africa free from cancer.

    He said: “Nevertheless, we commend the progress made in cancer prevention and care in our region. 

    “For instance, 17 countries have introduced high-performance-based screening tests in line with the WHO recommendations. 

    “Also, 28 of our Member States have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination to reach about 60% of the priority population targeted with HPV vaccination.

    “This year’s theme is auspicious as it reinforces all persons and groups’ universal right to health. 

    We believe that regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, and gender, every person must be afforded an equal chance at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

    “We call on the region’s countries, communities, partners, and civil society to unite and foster universal access to cancer prevention and care.

    “Stakeholders must identify feasible priorities, implement evidence-based population-wide interventions and invest in cancer control.

    “Countries should use the updated WHO Best Buys, the facilitative tool designed to enable governments to select lifesaving policies and interventions for non-communicable diseases.

    “Leaders are responsible for ensuring that cancer prevention and care deploy technologies and therapies that are available at low cost to affected persons and their families, which are value for money. 

    “Furthermore, countries should strengthen information systems to gather quality data for decision-making.

    “We reiterate that civil society, especially organizations of cancer survivors or persons with lived cancer experiences, are critical in the fight against cancer in Africa. 

    “Such a whole-of-society approach to cancer prevention and care is the essence of this year’s World Cancer Day theme.

    “Together, we challenge those in power” to go the extra mile for a cancer-free Africa.”

  • World NTD Day: WHO tasks African leaders on ending NTDs

    World NTD Day: WHO tasks African leaders on ending NTDs

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the Nigerian government and African leaders to prioritize the eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

    According to WHO, NTDs are viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases that mainly affect the world’s poorest people with devastating health, social and economic consequences.

    These diseases include Buruli ulcer; Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses; noma; onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies and other ectoparasitoses.

    In a press statement on Tuesday marking the Day, Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, expressed concern that despite significant advancements in research, heightened awareness, and increased financial support, Africa still shoulders 40% of the burden of neglected diseases.

    She said: “Together, we have made huge strides against these diseases.

    “There are currently 18 million fewer people in Africa who require interventions against NTDs.

    “Nineteen countries in the region have eliminated at least one NTD.

    “Togo achieved a world first by eliminating four of these diseases – river blindness, elephantiasis, sleeping sickness and Guinea worm disease. Yaws is on the verge of being eliminated.

    “However, even with all this progress, Africa bears 40% of the global burden of NTD cases.

    “We need to overcome the persistent challenges that are slowing progress in eliminating these diseases”.

    Moeti however noted ending the NTDs is achievable but not without the political will of the leaders, saying, “Today marks World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, a significant occasion to consider the severe effects these diseases have on the wellbeing and livelihoods of billions around the globe.

    “It’s a time to reflect on the progress made in fighting these diseases and to recognize the urgent need for global and national authorities to reinforce their commitment and mobilize resources to accelerate elimination of NTDs globally and in Africa.

    “First, I, and my fellow leaders across Africa and the world, ask that we unite to tackle these devastating diseases, that affect the most vulnerable of our communities.

    “The presence of NTDs is a constant reminder of the inequalities in our world today.

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    “Second, I am asking you, as individuals and as communities, to act, to spread awareness, to advocate with those in power, and to help to mobilize the resources needed to do this.

    “And third, I am asking you to ensure that we eliminate – that we end – these diseases once and for all.

    “Although commendable progress has been made, we need to act, to ensure that high-level political commitment is translated into transformative action in the NTD space.

    “We need to unite, by building new partnerships to ensure enough and sustainable funding to continue the momentum of the progress already made against these diseases.

    “And we need to provide countries with the resources they require to eliminate these ancient diseases.

    “I remain totally committed to supporting countries in our region in the commendable efforts to eliminate NTDs, once and for all”, she added

  • WHO: COVID-19 vaccines save 1.4m lives in Europe

    WHO: COVID-19 vaccines save 1.4m lives in Europe

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said COVID-19 vaccines saved about 1.4 million lives in Europe.

    Delivering his first message of the New Year yesterday in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, the Regional Director, WHO European region, Dr Hans Kluge, explained that without vaccines, the death toll on the continent “could have been around four million, or even higher.

    “More than 2.5 million COVID-19 deaths, and 277 million confirmed cases, were reported in the vast WHO European Region, which comprised 53 countries stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

    “Analysis of 34 countries showed that most people whose lives were saved by vaccines, 90 percent, were over 60,”

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    Kluge said the vaccines reduced deaths by 57 percent in the period between their rollout in December 2020 through March 2023, with the first booster doses alone saving an estimated 700,000 lives.

    “Today, there are 1.4 million people in our region – most of them elderly – who are around to enjoy life with their loved ones because they took the vital decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This is the power of vaccines. The evidence is irrefutable,” Kluge said.

    He added that COVID-19 rates in Europe remained elevated but were decreasing.

    “WHO recommends that people at highest risk of the disease should continue to be re-vaccinated six to 12 months after their most recent dose. This category includes older persons, frontline health workers, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised or have significant chronic medical conditions,”