Attachments
This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African region. This week’s articles cover:
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Yellow Fever in South Sudan
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Cholera in Zimbabwe
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Fuel Tanker Explosion in Liberia
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 and challenges include:
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South Sudan is experiencing a yellow fever outbreak declared on 6 January 2024 in Western Equatorial State. This yellow fever outbreak is occurring in a context of other concurrent active disease outbreaks that include measles and hepatitis E. The country is experiencing the protracted humanitarian situation, a consequence of recurrent armed conflicts and climate change (food insecurity and floods). All these hazards increase challenges to respond to them given the country’s limited resources. South Sudan lies in the yellow fever belt and has previously reported outbreaks in 2003, 2018, and 2020. Moreover, in the absence of preventive massive vaccination campaigns, the risk of outbreaks remains high in the country. Strengthening national capacities for case detection, investigation, and testing is critical for effective yellow fever control.
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On 26 December 2023, a devastating incident of fuel tanker explosion happened in Liberia, Monrovia-Gbarnga highway. Over 100 people died from the effects of the fire from the exploded tanker that was initially involved in an accident. This catastrophic explosion caught the surrounding individuals, many of whom had gathered to collect fuel from the overturned vehicle. The fire lasted for hours due to lack of equipment, exposing survivors and responders to long-term health risks. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, struggling with shortages of oxygen and burn care supplies. Immediate support is crucial for critical cases concentrated in two hospitals, requiring sustained supply of medical and non-medical resources to navigate this complex tragedy