Health

Download the Call to action for more details., Cholera is endangering children’s lives. Eastern and Southern Africa is grappling with one of the worst cholera outbreaks in decades, with cases rapidly spreading across the region – especially in densely populated urban areas where contaminated water supplies are infecting large numbers of people, including children. Over 230,000 cholera cases…, UNICEF’s strategy to protect children and families, UNICEF underscores systematic preparedness and response planning, advocating for a multi-sectoral response based on evidence and national strategies, to ensure a timely and holistic response. UNICEF’s lifesaving response is focused on: WASH: Providing access to clean drinking water and handwashing with soap for the most vulnerable people affected…, With your support, we can save lives, UNICEF is appealing for over US$ 70 million to provide children and communities in Eastern and Southern Africa with life-saving support to curb cholera outbreaks and strengthen existing systems to reduce the risks associated with future public health emergencies. Through the generous support of donors, the region has already raised US$ 7 million,…, Latest news, February 2024, Cholera Outbreak inEastern and Southern AfricaFebruary 2024 Cholera is endangering childrens lives. Eastern and Southern Africa is grappling with one of the worst cholera outbreaks in decades, with cases rapidly spreading across the region especially in densely populated urban areas where contaminated water supplies are infecting large numbers of…

A cholera outbreak was declared by the Union of Comoros on 2 February 2024, threatening the lives of children. As of February 18, 2024, a total of 83 cholera cases, with a significant number of cases involving children between the ages of 10–19. Six fatalities have been reported, including 4 children. In the face of this crisis, UNICEF has…, UNICEF’s response, Efforts have been concentrated on enhancing case management capabilities for severe cholera cases. This includes refining the Case Management Protocol based on joint assessments conducted at healthcare facilities including El Maarouf Hospital and the Cholera Treatment Center in Samba. Additionally, UNICEF has undertaken critical infrastructure…

Nairobi, 19 February 2024– In a concerted effort to strengthen maternal and child health services across Africa, the World Health Organization, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), convened a capacity-building workshop targeting healthcare…

Nairobi, 13 February 2024 – Since 2023, 13 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa have battled one of the worst cholera outbreaks to hit the region, most recently Zimbabwe, Zambia and Comoros. In some countries, 52 per cent of all cases are children under 15 years, with children under 5 accounting for approximately 40 per cent of deaths and 30…

The current cholera outbreaks in the region are severely affecting vulnerable children and communities. The outbreak has rapidly gained momentum in the region, placing an immense strain on healthcare systems and exposing vulnerabilities in sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and…, Resources, Related news and stories from across the region

As delivered Honourable Silvia Lutucuta, Minister of Health for the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the Committee of SADC Ministers of Health Honorable Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Health from SADC countries, Your Excellency Executive Secretary of SADC Your Excellency, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC Dr. Matshidiso Moeti…

Nairobi, 15 January 2024 – The cholera epidemic that affected multiple countries in Eastern and Southern Africa in 2023 persists and continues to impact the region, placing additional strain on communities and healthcare facilities. Since 2023, 13 countries in the region have battled one of the worst cholera outbreaks to hit the region in years…

BRAZZAVILLE/DAKAR/NAIROBI, 10 October 2023 – On this World Mental Health Day, UNICEF and WHO reaffirm their joint commitment to support member states and all our partners across the region to ensure that “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”; the theme for this year’s commemoration. Mental health – though often neglected – is an intrinsic…

This synthesis report reflects a comprehensive review of the body of research undertaken through the Evidence-to-Action partnership. It identifies common themes and new insights to answer the following questions: What common factors were found to put adolescents, including adolescents living with HIV and young mothers, at risk of poor health and…

This is an investment case for the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to use renewable energy to improve health and education facilities. The investment case also shows that approximately USD 8.1 million will be required to fully solarise remaining unelectrified health and education facilities with an expected installed capacity of solar…

Imagine being a young person with HIV in a rural area, with limited access to transport, poor roads, and an urgent need to access adolescent and youth-friendly health services. “Young people in Malawi face the challenge of travelling long distances to reach the facilities where sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and HIV…

Understanding and meeting the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents and young people, including those living with HIV, is essential in supporting this growing population to thrive. in Eastern and Southern Africa, new HIV infections among those aged 15-24 are estimated to account for those older than 15. Early sexual risk–…