Launch of National Routine Immunisation Strategic Plan in Nigeria

On November 21, 2013 Nigeria unveiled its National Routine Immunization Strategic Plan (NRISP) 2013-2015, outlining a comprehensive strategy to increase access to live-saving vaccines through strengthened routine immunization (RI) systems. 

The Post-2015 Development Agenda

President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Panel's Co-chair, hands over the report to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

 In July 2012, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the 27 members of a High-level Panel to advise on the global development framework beyond 2015, the target date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

World Malaria Report 2013

Malaria is an entirely preventable and treatable mosquito-borne illness. In 2013, 97 countries had on-going malaria transmission.

An estimated 3.4 billion people are at risk on malaria, of which 1.2 billion are at high risk. In high-risk areas, more than one malaria case occurs per every 1000 population.

Tribute of Development Leaders to Neslson Mandela

Nelson Mandela died on Thursday 5th December, 2013 at the age of 95.

The international development community weighed in on the former South African President and hero of the anti-apartheid struggle as a  stalwart crusader for global human rights, anti-HIV and AIDS advocate, and source of inspiration to many.

Here are some of the statements issued by world leaders and luminaries of the international development community.

A Year in Review: 2013 Highlights in Global Health

USAID Bureau for Global Health shared a Bulletin  highlighting the accomplishments the Global Health Community recorded in the Year 2013 and look forward to more successes in 2014!

In Somaliland, Volunteer Vaccinators help contain the Threat of Wild Polio Virus

In northern Somalia, volunteer Vaccinators are trying to contain the country’s recent outbreak of polio – and so far, they’re succeeding.

HARGEISA, Somalia, 18 December 2013 – In May 2013, the first case of polio seen in Somalia in more than six years was announced in Mogadishu. Plans for mass vaccination campaigns were drawn up. The authorities in Hargeisa, in Somalia’s northern region of Somaliland, took no chances, and they announced a high alert. Somaliland, Puntland and South Central regions launched an emergency vaccination campaign in June.

Year in Review - 2013- Good News You Might Have Missed in 2013 - By Bill Gates

Good News You Might Have Missed in 2013

You’re probably seeing a lot of people’s year-end lists right now, going through the best movies, books, YouTube clips, grumpy cat memes, etc.

I thought I would share a different kind of list: some of the good news you might have missed. I’ve limited my list to global health and development, where Melinda and I spend a lot of time, but even so, there’s a lot to report.

Season Greeting from the NCD Alliance

Dear Friends,
As we approach the end of another exciting and inspiring year, I wish to take this opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, and to thank you for your continued commitment and collaboration on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Polio this week - as of 24 December 2013

As the year 2013 draws to a close, the GPEI takes stock: find here ePolio News: December 2013

Polio this week - as of 24 December 2013

• In Afghanistan, no indigenous cases of wild poliovirus have occured all year - all cases are linked to cross-border tansmission with neighbouring Pakistan.
• In Nigeria, poliovirus is inscreasingly geographically restricted - primarly to Kanod and Borno states. Over the past 4 months, only four cases have occured in the country, despite the onset of the rainy season (the"high season" for polio transmission).
• The Horn of Africa outbreak is on the decline, including in Banadir, Somalia, the "engine" of the outbreak (no cases since July).
• A cross-regional emergency approach is being implemented in the Middle East.
• In Pakistan, the main reservoir area is Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), in particular North Waziristan.  During the ‘high season’ in the past four months, 52 cases of wild poliovirus have been reported from FATA, with evidence of widespread geographic transmission across the country.  Areas within Pakistan are being re-infected, as is neighbouring Afghanistan, and the outbreak in the Middle East originated in Pakistan.  
• The overriding operational priority for the GPEI is to ensure all children are reached during supplementary immunization activities during the 2014 ‘low season’ for polio transmission.