Dr. Hendrick Ormel, the Senior Adviser of the World Health Organisation Global Joint External Evaluation Secretariat, has highlighted a concerning situation in the WHO African region.
He reported that there are currently 125 disease outbreaks in the region, encompassing a range of illnesses, including Covid-19, cholera, yellow fever, measles, wild poliovirus, and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. Additionally, Africa is grappling with 20 human-made and natural disasters, such as cyclones, droughts, conflicts, floods, and civil unrest.
The WHO African region comprises numerous countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and many others.
Dr. Ormel explained that the high prevalence of disease outbreaks in the region can be attributed to several factors, including the geographical location, increased interaction between animals and humans, poverty, and corruption.
He emphasized the need for prompt disease detection and response, particularly in Nigeria, where multiple outbreaks, including Covid-19, measles, yellow fever, and others, are currently being battled.
To address these challenges, Dr. Ormel stressed the importance of implementing measures to enhance health security and emergency response.
He specifically mentioned the necessity of implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), which focuses on a One Health approach and aims to strengthen core capacities as outlined in the International Health Regulations.
This situation in the WHO African region underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts and resources to combat disease outbreaks and mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations.
