Attachments
Overview
This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African region. This week’s articles cover:
- Drought in Botswana
- Diphtheria in Guinea
- Malaria in Ethiopia
For each of these events, a brief description, followed by public health measures implemented and an interpretation of the situation, is provided.
A table is provided at the end of the bulletin with information on all new and ongoing public health events currently being monitored in the region, as well as recent events that have been controlled and closed.
Major issues include
Nearly 23 million people face severe food insecurity in Southern African countries, including Botswana. Three consecutive years of severe drought have been linked to the 2023/2024 El Niño, which has significantly impacted food production, with cereal yields at only 23.0% of national needs in Botswana. Approximately 37 000 people are facing acute food shortages, with over several displaced. Malnutrition is a major concern, especially among children, with 1 in 3 under 5 experiencing stunting. Government responses include food distribution and nutritional supplements, but more support is needed to address the ongoing crisis and its long-term effects on health and food security.