Author: prtimesafrica

  • Malawi Unveils Updated Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy.

    Malawi Unveils Updated Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy.

    Malawi Unveils Updated Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy
    Malawi Launches Second Edition of Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy and Implementation Plan The Malawi Ministry of Health has launched its updated plan for implementation of its Genomic Surveillance Strategy, produced with technical support from the Africa CDC – Africa PGILILONGWE, Malawi, July 8, 2025 The Malawi Ministry of Health, launched its updated plan for the implementation of its Genomic Surveillance Strategy that was produced with technical support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) on 3 July. As pathogen genomics provides a powerful approach towards the investigation, management, and surveillance of infectious diseases, the plan is geared to include integration of multi-pathogen genomic surveillance into existing public health systems, research and development. The second version of the plan is aligned to Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Surveillance Policy Framework and identified priority list of pathogens and use cases for genomic surveillance in Malawi and the region. The strategy has a robust, comprehensive, fully integrated, harmonized and well-coordinated mechanisms to guide monitoring of the implementation of the plan and evaluate impact. The improved plan has a National Genomics Committee comprising of a steering committee, advisory group and laboratories from public, private and academia. The first genomic strategy was launched in 2023 and runs to 2030In his opening remarks, Secretary for Health Dr. Samsom Kwazirira Mndolo emphasized the critical role of genomics in monitoring antimicrobial resistance, disease outbreak detection, response and prevention as well in precision medicine. He underscored the role of the plan as a roadmap for implementing a robust one health genomic surveillance system across the country with different multi stakeholders, ministries and partners.“We have been front runners in genomics, but we lost the opportunity to learn from others, so we decided to revisit and update the 2023 plan,” said Dr Mndolo.“This moment marks the dawn of a new era, where science, innovation, and determination converge to build a stronger, more resilient health system for all starting from Malawi by leveraging genomic sequencing power to identify and track pathogens enabling early detection, tracking and characterization of pathogens,” said Dr Lul Riek, Director for the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre. Dr Riek said by integrating pathogen genomic sequencing into its healthcare infrastructure, it aims to enhance its health security and swiftly respond to emerging and reemerging threats effectively. “This makes Malawi one step ahead of other countries in disease detection and response,” he said.“In the face of several emerging and reemerging health threats including Disease X ” a hypothetical emerging pathogen, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the resurgence of Mpox, Marburg, Cholera and other epidemics, we have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for resilient public health surveillance systems that can provide timely and actionable data,” said Dr Francis Chikuse, Senior Technical Officer for Public Health at Africa CDC.“The National Multi Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy is not just a response to these challenges but a proactive step toward building a robust system that leverages the power of molecular diagnostics and sequencing to safeguard the health of the of Malawians and beyond,” said Dr Chikuse.He said, Africa CDC in partnership with public, private and philanthropic sectors is enhancing continent-wide sample referral and data sharing strategy, systems, and governance to promote trusted, quality assured and timely data sharing as well as support the design and pilot implementation of high-impact public health priority genomic surveillance and use-cases and facilitate the utility of genomics data for policy, decision making, research and development of pandemic materials. In 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the historic Pandemic Agreement to enhance global collaboration and to create a more equitable response to future pandemics.Africa CDC is working with 16 Member States including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Morocco, Togo, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, to develop their national pathogen genomics strategies. Through this collaboration, Malawi becomes the second country after Zambia to launch their genomic strategy.
  • United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties.

    United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties.

    United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties

    United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties

    The Ogun Tech Hub Window on America offers a vibrant, American-themed environment where young Nigerians can explore ideas, build leadership capacity, and sharpen their entrepreneurial and tech skills through interactive programs and workshops

    LAGOS, Nigeria, July 7, 2025On Thursday, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg joined Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to officially open the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America, the 29th American Space in Nigeria. This new center—the second in Abeokuta—was established through a partnership between the U.S. Consulate General, Ogun State Government, and GFA Technologies, a leading tech company that supports innovative startups.

    The Ogun Tech Hub Window on America offers a vibrant, American-themed environment where young Nigerians can explore ideas, build leadership capacity, and sharpen their entrepreneurial and tech skills through interactive programs and workshops. The center also provides access to high-speed internet, computers, and a wide range of digital resources to support learning, research, and professional development. Visitors can also receive guidance on studying in the United States through various educational advising programs.

    Delivering remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, Ogun State government officials, and members of the local academic, business, and artistic community, Acting Consul General Gorg explained that the Window on America is designed to expand the already strong bonds of friendship and deepen educational and cultural ties between the United States and Nigeria.

    “We are delighted to partner with the Ogun State Government and GFA Technologies to open the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America in Abeokuta,” Acting Consul General Gorg said. “This Window on America is a collaborative and technology-driven center dedicated to education, innovation, and partnership benefitting all residents of Ogun State and beyond.”

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America as a center for knowledge exchange, skills development, and peer-to-peer collaboration between young people in Ogun State and their counterparts in the United States. He underscored the importance of digital skills training offered at the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America in driving sustainable economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens.

    “This is the opening of a window to endless possibilities. I urge Ogun State residents to take full ownership of groundbreaking initiatives like the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. It is not just a room—it is a realized vision, a democratized platform for global learning, connection, and opportunity,” Governor Abiodun added.

    Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer of GFA Technologies, Debo Omololu, lauded the U.S. government for the partnership that culminated in the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. He expressed optimism that young people in Ogun State and its environs would benefit immensely from the resources and programs available at the center. “The Ogun Tech Hub is proud to join the global network of American Spaces. One of the core themes of our programming is to provide technological learning opportunities that drive digital transformation,” Omololu added.

    Programs offered at the Window on America will showcase the depth and breadth of American culture, values, ideals, and perspectives on a variety of themes from employability workshops to digital skills, AI, robotics, drone technology and other STEM learning opportunities. Visitors to the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America will include students, teachers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists, civic organizations, government officials, and community leaders, among many others.

    In addition, the new center will offer access to academic and research resources via e-Library USA, a digital library with millions of publications, scholarly journals, eBooks, audio, video, and other multi-media content. Like all American Spaces around the world, programs and resources, including high speed internet access, offered at the Window on America are free of charge and open to everyone in the community.

    There are more than 700 American Spaces in 140 countries around the world hosted by universities, libraries, tech hubs, as well as U.S. embassies and consulates. The network of American Spaces in Nigeria organizes over 4,400 programs annually that reach 100,000 Nigerians. Nigeria has more American Spaces than any other African country, with 29 locations across 24 cities. Addresses of American Spaces in Nigeria can be found here.

  • How Nigeria Can Unleash its Economic Potential.

    How Nigeria Can Unleash its Economic Potential.

    How Nigeria Can Unleash its Economic Potential.

    Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, can unlock its vast economic potential by boosting revenues, improving budget management, and expanding its cash transfer system, according to a recent economic analysis. Reforms Yield Progress Amid Challenges Since 2023, Nigeria’s government has tackled longstanding economic issues through bold reforms, including liberalizing the foreign exchange market, ending central bank deficit financing, and reforming fuel subsidies. These steps have stabilized international reserves, restored access to official foreign exchange markets, and enabled Nigeria’s return to global capital markets. A new private refinery has also strengthened the country’s position in a deregulated oil market. However, high inflation (over 20%), poor infrastructure, and widespread poverty (42% in 2023) continue to hinder progress, with volatile global oil prices and high borrowing costs adding further pressure. Key Priorities for Growth To sustain progress, Nigeria should focus on three areas:

    1. Promote Inclusive Growth: Stronger, sustained economic growth is critical to reducing poverty and food insecurity. Scaling up the cash transfer system can help support vulnerable populations in the interim.
    2. Strengthen Budget Framework: Effective budgeting, with realistic assumptions and transparent expenditure management, is essential for investing in people and infrastructure while maintaining accountability. Monetary policy must also address inflation to reduce economic uncertainty.
    3. Increase Domestic Revenue: Raising revenue is vital to fund critical sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and climate adaptation. Ongoing tax reforms aim to simplify compliance and ensure fair contributions, with potential to align rates with regional neighbors once the cost-of-living crisis eases. Redirecting savings from fuel subsidy removal to priority investments is also crucial, as high interest payments currently limit funding for development.

    Looking Ahead Nigeria’s economic potential is undeniable, but sustained reforms and a robust social safety net are essential to ensure inclusive growth and support the most vulnerable.

    Explain cash transfer system
    Compare to other African economies
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  • International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Second Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with the Republic of Madagascar.

    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Second Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with the Republic of Madagascar.

    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Second Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with the Republic of Madagascar.

    The current account deficit widened to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2024, due to continued weak performance in some mining subsectors; it is expected to widen further (to 6.1 percent of GDP) this year, amidst challenging prospects in the textile industry and the vanilla sector

    • The IMF Executive Board completed the Second Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Republic of Madagascar, allowing for an immediate disbursement of SDR 77.392 million (about US$107 million).
    • Madagascar’s performance under the ECF and RSF has been satisfactory. The recent adoption of a recovery plan for the public utilities company (JIRAMA) and the continued implementation of the automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism will release space for critical development needs while helping improve energy supply.
    • Recent weather-related events, reduction in official development assistance (ODA) and the U.S tariff hike risk setting Madagascar back; they constitute a wakeup call.

    The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the Second Reviews under the 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and under the 36-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. The ECF and RSF arrangements were approved by the IMF Executive Board in June 2024 (see PR24/232). The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this review.[1]

    The completion of the reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 36.66 million (about US$50 million) under the ECF arrangement and of SDR 40.732 million (about US$56 million) under the RSF arrangement.

    Madagascar has been hit by a myriad of shocks this year, including weather-related events and the dual external shock of ODA reduction (by about 1 percent of GDP) and U.S. tariff hike (47 percent initially). These developments would take a toll on growth, considering the country’s high dependence on external financial support and the exposure of its vanilla sector and textile industry to the U.S. market. Growth in 2025 would be lower-than-previously expected at 4 percent.

    The current account deficit widened to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2024, due to continued weak performance in some mining subsectors; it is expected to widen further (to 6.1 percent of GDP) this year, amidst challenging prospects in the textile industry and the vanilla sector.

    Program performance has been satisfactory, with all end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria and three out of four indicative targets having been met. M3 growth was within the bands of the Monetary Policy Consultation Clause. All but one structural benchmark for the review period were also met. On the RSF front, a new forest carbon framework that promotes private sector participation in the reforestation was adopted and the National Contingency Fund for disaster risk management was operationalized.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Performance improved gradually over the first half year of the program, following delays related to mayoral elections; all but one of the end-December 2024 quantitative targets were met, and notable progress was achieved in the structural reform agenda. Recent weather-related and external shocks call for spending reprioritization, deliberate contingency planning in budget execution, and letting the exchange rate act as a shock absorber.

    “The recent adoption of a recovery plan for the public utilities company (JIRAMA) is a step in the right direction. Its swift implementation will help address pervasive disruptions in the provision of electricity to households and businesses, while limiting calls on the State budget. The continued implementation of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism will also help contain fiscal risks with targeted measures to support the most vulnerable.

    “Pressing ahead with domestic revenue mobilization efforts and enhancing public financial management and the public investment process remain key to fiscal sustainability. Early preparations for the 2026 budget will allow for stronger buy-in from domestic stakeholders; the budget should be anchored in a well-articulated medium-term fiscal strategy that accounts for the implementation of JIRAMA’s recovery plan and creates space for critical development spending.

    “While inflation has receded slightly from its January peak, the central bank (BFM) should not loosen monetary policy until inflation is on a firm downward path. Further improvements in liquidity management, forecasting and communication will strengthen the implementation of the BFM’s interest-based monetary policy framework. Maintaining a flexible exchange rate will help absorb external shocks.

    “A swift implementation of the authorities’ anti-corruption strategy (2025-2030), together with a homegrown action plan for implementing key recommendations from the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA), will improve transparency and the rule of law, support the authorities fight against corruption and protect the public purse.

    “The authorities’ continued commitment to their reform agenda under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) will support climate adaptation in Madagascar and complement the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in fostering overall socio-economic resilience.”

  • Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.

    Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.

    PR Times Africa Leadership Spotlight, Patrick Drahi: A Business Magnate.
    Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.
    Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.
  • PR Times Africa Woman of the Week:Reni Folawiyo: Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, founder of Alara (West Africa’s first luxury fashion store) and owner of NOK restaurants, promoting African cuisine.

    PR Times Africa Woman of the Week:Reni Folawiyo: Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, founder of Alara (West Africa’s first luxury fashion store) and owner of NOK restaurants, promoting African cuisine.

    PR Times Africa Woman of the Week: Reni Folawiyo: Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, founder of Alara (West Africa’s first luxury fashion store) and owner of NOK restaurants, promoting African cuisine

  • The European Union (EU) and World Food Programme (WFP) enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

    The European Union (EU) and World Food Programme (WFP) enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

    The European Union (EU) and World Food Programme (WFP) enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

    This contribution from the EU will support the food security for 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of EUR 5 million from the European Union (EU) to support income-generating activities to enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

    Uganda hosts 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. The Government of Uganda’s national refugee policy allows refugees to work and move freely, but economic opportunities remain scarce in and around refugee settlements, meaning that humanitarian and development assistance are a lifeline for refugee families as they seek to build a self-reliant life in safety.

    “Empowering refugees in Uganda to become self-reliant has never been more important,” said Genevieve Chicoine, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Uganda. “This vital contribution from the European Union will enable WFP to support thousands of refugees and host communities with the skills they need to earn a living and put food on the table.”

    WFP supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance, as well as programmes to increase self-reliance and improve the nutrition of mothers and their children.

    This contribution from the EU will support the food security for 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members. It includes training on best farming practices like regenerative agriculture, financial literacy skills for business management and resource growth, and nutrition assistance for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

    “This partnership reflects a shift from delivering aid to delivering opportunity,” said Guillaume Chartrain, European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Uganda. “Refugees and host communities are gaining the tools they need to shape their own futures. By investing in people’s skills and potential, we are supporting more stable, self-reliant communities—and that benefits everyone.” 

    This initiative is part of the European Union’s Action for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (EUPADS), supporting efforts to address the root causes of displacement while reinforcing national policies for displaced people living in countries like Uganda.

    WFP’s food assistance programmes in Uganda are facing critical funding shortfalls. In May, the agency was forced to halt food assistance for nearly one million refugees and reduce food rations for others to an unprecedented low of 22 percent.

  • International Rescue Committee (IRC) Chad prepares for cholera outbreak as World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of regional spread.

    International Rescue Committee (IRC) Chad prepares for cholera outbreak as World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of regional spread.

    International Rescue Committee (IRC) Chad prepares for cholera outbreak as World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of regional spread.

    “Following concerns expressed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) about the spread of the unprecedented Cholera epidemic in Sudan to neighbouring countries, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching prevention efforts, including raising awareness amongst vulnerable communities of how to prevent the spread of disease, to prepare for a possible cholera outbreak. With the rainy season approaching in Chad, health teams warn that the risk of an epidemic is increasing. We know how quickly flooding can overwhelm sanitation systems and create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of cholera. We’re working closely with communities to raise awareness and reduce risks before the disease reaches eastern Chad. This includes surveillance at the borders and awareness-raising in the camps, where the IRC is actively involved, alongside coordination with the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and partners to strengthen overall response preparedness.”

    In Sudan, which is now the largest displacement crisis in the world, the epidemic saw a dramatic resurgence at the end of May, with more than 82,000 cases and over 2,100 deaths reported across the country, with Khartoum, South Darfur and East Darfur showing increasing trends.

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) The close collaboration between the human, animal and environmental health services is designed to protect lives in response to health emergenciesGOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, In mid-May, 57-year-old Pierre* was admitted to a health centre in the Lubero area after suffering from severe itching on his right hand, followed by pruritus and a swelling of his forearm. He was treated and, given the unusual symptoms, samples were collected and sent for analysis at the laboratory of the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Goma. An alert was previously issued at the end of March 2025 following the death of dozens of buffalo and hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park in North Kivu. Samples taken on 29 March from a recently deceased hippopotamus and examined at the Goma veterinary laboratory revealed the presence of spores of the bacillus responsible for anthrax.Anthrax is a bacterial zoonosis (disease transmissible from animals to humans) that generally affects ruminants (cows, sheep and goats). Humans can become infected through contact with a sick animal or contaminated products (such as meat, blood, wool, hides and bones). All forms of human anthrax (cutaneous, gastrointestinal and respiratory) require hospitalization and medical treatment. To ensure a multi-sectoral response to this concerning health situation, the national departments of health, environment, fisheries and livestock, with support from partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, FAO and CDC Africa, have put the “One Health” approach into practice. The close collaboration between the human, animal and environmental health services is designed to protect lives in response to health emergencies. A delegation from these departments and organisations visited the Binza and Rutshuru health zones from 25 to 28 May 2025 to strengthen surveillance and the response to outbreaks of suspected cases of anthrax in the Binza and Lubero health zones. “One of the high-impact measures led by the national authorities with the support of partners was the development of the national multi-sector anthrax preparedness and response plan. Through this common approach to the response, we can ensure a comprehensive response, from prevention activities to the clinical management of patients. We are confident that this health threat will soon be over,” said Dr Aline Katerekwa Ntamushigo, Medical Supervisor at the National Programme for Emergencies and Humanitarian Action (NPEHA). “Our discussions with those involved on the ground are helping us to manage this risk effectively to protect people, animals and the environment.” Since the announcement of the epidemic, WHO has supported the response on several levels. Dr Célestin Ndaliko, epidemiologist in charge of surveillance at the WHO Office in the DRC, was a member of the response team that went to Binza. “There are major challenges in terms of disease detection. So, every anthrax investigation becomes an act of resilience, a glimmer of hope to prevent the spread of this devastating disease.” As of 26 May 2025, 24 suspected human anthrax cases had been reported, alongside the deaths of 9 goats, one cow, 60 hippopotamuses and 27 buffalo reported in four health zones in the eastern province of North Kivu.“Our support has been provided at several levels, and we are particularly keen to provide appropriate care for those affected. In most cases, the disease can be cured with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a health professional,” explained Dr Leopold Ouedraogo, Emergency Manager in the provinces of North and South Kivu.WHO has made more than four tonnes of medicines available to 12 health facilities, a large quantity of which has been handed over to the authorities in the Binza health zone in Rutshuru territory. “So far, even if our Binza health zone has not yet recorded any human cases, we have what it takes to prevent and be ahead of what could happen,” said Dr Bernard Kakule, Chief Medical Officer for the Binza health zone.WHO has played a central role in cross-border coordination between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, facilitating communication and collaboration between the two countries in response to the re-emergence of anthrax in humans and animals. Surveillance has thus been strengthened, notably by activating the “One Health” unit in Rutshuru, to ensure early detection and rapid response in high-risk health zones by integrating the human, animal and environmental dimensions of health. To build local capacity, the WHO has also supported the training of community relays, the development of awareness-raising materials and the conduct of public and door-to-door awareness-raising campaigns on disease prevention measures. The Organization also donated prevention kits (chlorine, hand sanitizers), essential medicines and medical equipment for treatment, and encouraged collaboration with technical partners such as INRB to improve epidemiological surveillance. Despite security and logistical challenges, WHO’s support has enabled the foundations to be laid for a coordinated response, while highlighting the need for greater commitment to community awareness-raising, the safe management of carcasses and the vaccination of animals at risk. Since the epidemic was announced, 24 people have been treated in health facilities in the Binza and Lubero health zones, including Pierre, who has been discharged from the hospital and resumed his life. On the ground, our teams are still working hard to continue protecting people and their herds, working together in the face of a common threat.
  • Untitled post 3289
    Malawi Secures Gains Against Polio, Strengthens Health Systems
    Malawi is taking strategic steps to sustain its hard-won gains against polio and strengthen its broader health system after officially closing its reimported wild poliovirus outbreak. The country has made significant progress in:
    – Polio Transition Planning: Malawi held a National Polio Transition Planning meeting to ensure the infrastructure built to eradicate polio continues to serve communities.
    – Sustaining Gains*: The transition plan aims to protect polio assets, including trained personnel and disease surveillance systems, and integrate them into the national health system.
    – Long-Term Resilience: Malawi’s plan supports national ownership of essential polio functions, including surveillance, immunization, and outbreak response.
    Key Highlights:
    – Malawi was certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2020 but detected a reimported case in 2022.
    – The country responded swiftly and successfully interrupted transmission by May 2024.
    – The Polio Transition Plan will help secure critical capacities and align them with the Ministry of Health-led Immunization Programme.
    Expert Insights
    – Dr. Patrick Wataya Chirwa emphasized the need to strengthen Malawi’s ability to manage core functions nationally.
    – Sarah Wanyoike highlighted the importance of integrating service delivery and strengthening surveillance across the board.
    Next Steps:
    – Malawi will focus on optimizing existing systems, integrating surveillance efforts, and building multisectoral collaboration.
    – The country will require cross-cutting collaboration among government agencies, local health authorities, partners, and civil society.
    Conclusion
    Malawi’s National Polio Transition Plan is a blueprint for sustaining polio eradication efforts and advancing universal health coverage and equity. With support from WHO and partners, Malawi is committed to staying polio-free and healthier for generations to come.

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