ReliefWeb

Health Update

As a result of the current hot, dry and windy weather, the SNNP and Oromia Regions are reporting an increasing number of cases of meningococcal meningitis, in recent weeks. In response, the SNNP Regional Health Bureau and Woreda Health Offices are vaccinating high-risk groups, including people between the ages of 2 and 30 years, and those living in crowded settings like prisons and universities, in Hawassa and Shebedino woredas of Sidama zone, and Arba Minch woreda of Gamo Gofa zone. To date, nearly 430,000 people have been vaccinated. Countrywide, the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus have enhanced the disease surveillance system, strengthened case management and started community awareness-raising in all regions that fall within the “African Meningitis Belt”, which stretches from Senegal in West Africa, across the Sahel countries, through Ethiopia. For more information, contact: who-wro@et.efro.who.int