“The COVID-19 The pandemic has highlighted the fragility of health infrastructure in our continent and the urgent need to strengthen the overall health system to ensure access to quality care for all. the people of Africa, when and where they need it without financial hardship,” speak WHORegional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti.
Rebuilding good health
To rethink and rebuild resilient health systems on the continent, the WHO Africa Regional Committee met in Lomé, Togo this week.
There, they are examining ways to achieve universal access to health care and exploring how to maintain essential services during outbreaks, as well as investments and actions. needed for quality medical products and medical technology.
“Domestic investment in health, including health research, yields substantial economic returns, while promoting resilience and sustainability; Dr. Moeti said.
Health emergencies
COVID-19 has put enormous pressure on health systemsadd to the existing health challenges of the African region, which responds to more than 100 health emergencies each year, according to WHO.
Emergencies that cause health plan shutdowns undermine progress on universal health coverage and create clear inequalities in access to health care.
A special event launched at the Regional Commission kicked off a collective process to assist African countries as they ramp up their recovery efforts from the disruptions caused by the pandemic and build efforts to their health system.
A range of consultations and actions will be undertaken to assist countries in achieving universal health coverage and health security.
Cholera epidemic in Malawi
Meanwhile, WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is stepping up efforts to contain and prevent the spread of cholera in Malawi.
The outbreak, which was initially limited to the south of the country, has now spread to northern and central regions of Malawi.
So far, 1,483 cases and 58 deaths have been recorded, with a fatality rate of 3.9%, according to a government press release issued on Monday.
Cases continue to rise outside of traditional hotspot countiesaffects lakeside communities and densely populated urban areas with insufficient water and sanitation facilities.
“The impact of the larger outbreak will overwhelm public health services and an already overwhelmed healthcare delivery system in the country, so we must act now.” speak UNICEF Malawi Representative Rudolf Schwenk.
“The good news is we know the solutions“.
Mind Movement Multimedia / Malawi
A cholera camp in Nsanje, Malawi.
Sponsorship gap
Despite continued efforts to respond to a nationwide cholera outbreak, significant gaps remain, including the urgent need for early detection and management; vital supplies for case management and water treatment, personal hygiene and water storage at the household level; and communication about prevention and positive hygiene practices.
UNICEF and WHO are calling on partners and donors for additional funds and support to tackle these challenges and contain the outbreak.
“Every cholera death is preventable with the tools we have today”, said WHO Country Representative Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, confirming that the UN agency will continue to support the Ministry of Health in “implementing measures immediate and long-term cholera control, response and prevention”.
Since the announcement of the cholera outbreak last March, UNICEF and WHO have worked closely with the ministries of Health, Water and Sanitation, district governments and others, in developing and coordinate a response plan to provide essential supplies and services to families and communities in Malawi’s cholera-affected districts.
