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''During the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, the WHO African Region’s longstanding efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response (EPR) capacity across the region contributed to the swift and effective containment of infectious disease outbreaks.''
Of the 24 new public health events reported during the quarter, over half were detected within seven days of onset, reflecting the improved weekly reporting of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) data by the Member States.
The WHO African Region responded to diphtheria and cholera outbreaks by mobilizing resources and deploying essential medical supplies and personnel to the affected areas. A rapid and comprehensive response to the cholera outbreak was followed by a significant decline in cases and deaths across the region, and Malawi declared an end to its cholera public health emergency during the quarter. WHO African Region team efficiently managed the large-scale deployment of supplies needed for the diphtheria outbreak, actively coordinated the delivery of emergency health kits and other supplies in response to the Sudan crisis, and continued to operationalize the regional emergency hubs, which will play a vital role in strengthening health security and emergency preparedness across the AFRO region.
The initiatives of the WHO African Region extended beyond immediate emergency response to building long-term capacity and infrastructure. Over 600 healthcare workers and community leaders were trained in response techniques, particularly in South Africa, which faced its largest cholera outbreak in over a decade during Q3.
The ongoing process of establishing regional emergency hubs in Kenya and Senegal involved high-level meetings and collaborations with various governments and international partners, reflecting a strategic approach to strengthening the resilience of health systems.
The achievements realized this quarter were made possible through close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Member States, international partners, and local communities. Resource mobilization and advocacy were especially critical priorities during the quarter. Despite significant resource constraints, the WHO African Region’s efforts to rapidly detect and respond to public health emergencies, effectively manage disease outbreaks, enhance logistics and supply-chain capabilities, build human capital, and foster collaboration have significantly contributed to improving health outcomes and emergency preparedness across the region.