Overview
This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African region. This week’s articles cover:
- Food insecurity in Lesotho
- Diphtheria in Guinea
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
Lesotho is experiencing the negative impacts of climate change, including more frequent extreme weather events like droughts, soil erosion, and reduced soil fertility. These factors have significantly impacted livelihoods, incomes, food security, and the country’s agriculture-based economy. The food insecurity situation in Lesotho is alarming. The government’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, subsidize agricultural inputs, and support vulnerable households through social protection programs are crucial. However, the situation will likely worsen without significantly improving household purchasing power and food access. Future actions should focus on strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems, enhancing income-generating opportunities, and ensuring timely and adequate humanitarian responses to mitigate the impact of recurring climatic shocks.