Attachments
This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African region. This week’s articles cover:
Drought and Food insecurity in Zimbabwe
Cholera in the Union of Comoros
Cholera in Togo
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
The 2023-2024 El Niño event has caused a severe drought in Zimbabwe, leading to significant crop failures and livestock losses. With widespread food insecurity expected to impact 7.6 million people between January and March 2025, immediate humanitarian aid is crucial. Long-term strategies should focus on climate-resilient agriculture, better water management, and safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially women and children, to mitigate future crises and enhance overall resilience.
The cholera outbreak, declared on 2 February 2024 on Ngazidja Island in the Union of Comoros, shows a downward trend after more than six months of response. Three islands were affected. Concerted efforts by the Ministry of Health and their implementing partners have successfully controlled the outbreak. Public health efforts include enhanced surveillance, water distribution, and hygiene campaigns. Even when no new cases have been reported since late July, continued surveillance is needed.