VillageReach’s Post

🚨 [Public Health Emergency of International Concern declared for Monkeypox] On August 14, 2024, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, declared Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision follows the Africa CDC's declaration of a continental health emergency and underscores the urgent need for global collaboration. 💡 Key points: - Emergence of a new, sexually transmitted strain (Clade 1B) - Heightened risk due to the spread in new regions like East Africa - Focus on understanding transmission dynamics, enhancing surveillance, and targeted interventions. As we face this global challenge, coordinated efforts are critical to prevent the further spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. 📖 Read more on the HERA website: https://lnkd.in/gQwHnRc7 #PublicHealth #Monkeypox #PHEIC #GlobalHealth #mpox

France Convenes Emergency Discussions to Address the 'Epidemic' of Bedbugs The French government announced on Tuesday its plans to hold emergency discussions this week to address the escalating reports of bedbug infestations, recognizing the issue as a potential major public health crisis. What was once a topic of potential ridicule has transformed into a contentious political matter in France, with alarmed citizens reporting sightings of bedbugs in various public spaces, including trains, the Paris metro, and cinemas. #Bedbugs #France #PublicHealth #EmergencyMeeting #EpidemicResponse #HealthCrisis #PestControl #Infestation #PublicSafety #BedbugEpidemic #EmergencyResponse #Healthcare https://lnkd.in/g792n8RF

Join us and our wonderful speakers for our final PPP webinar of the 5th season, an interactive masterclass on assessing menstrual health & hygiene in emergency contexts!

Hope you can all join us and our fantastic speakers on April 25th for our final PPP webinar for the season (interactive masterclass) on assessing menstrual health & hygiene in emergencies! #periodpossepresents

Will Mpox, for its second attempting, become the second pandemia of the century ? After being the first public health emergency of continental security(PHECS) declared by Africa CDC, and the day after by WHO as public health emergency of international concern(PHEIC), will we prevent its spreading from becoming another pandemia ? May everybody and every concerns adopt the One Health approach and collaborate together to enforce the ripost. Let us work together to unleash our colloboration.

Following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and global efforts to combat the #mpox outbreak in Africa, the World Health Organization released a strategic framework to strengthen prevention and control measures. We recognize that effective coordination among all stakeholders is crucial in maintaining a robust response to mpox. This framework outlines a road map for health authorities, communities, and stakeholders worldwide to control outbreaks, advance research and access to countermeasures, and minimize transmission. See here: https://lnkd.in/gjehNU79

The last major COVID pandemic has passed, but should we really be resting on our laurels? The current situation in Africa, presented here in the latest Africa CDC report, shows that other epidemics are still rife. To the diseases listed in the report below can be added the fight against tuberculosis, whose World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was celebrated yesterday. This gives me the occasion to reflect on progress made in researching innovative digital contact tracing solutions for potentially TB and other infectious diseases as an effort to improve pandemic preparedness and response strategies. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, effective contact tracing has been a pillar of containment efforts. Digital tools have revolutionized this process, allowing for swift identification and notification of potential exposures, ultimately curbing the spread of infectious diseases. A study published in July 2023 in The Lancet Global Health found that failing to implement tuberculosis contact investigation and tuberculosis preventive treatment will incur a large burden of avertable illness and mortality in the next decade with close to 1 million deaths by 2035. I am a firm believer that digital solutions enhancing contact tracing, patient case follow through and/or exposure notification can play a huge role in defying this projection. Therefore, as we commemorate #WorldTBDay, let's continue researching and innovating in digital technologies that will improve contact tracing, not only for TB but also for other infectious diseases. These tools will enable real-time data collection, analysis, and communication, not only for empowering healthcare systems to respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks but also to create awareness and empower population to take the right decision towards preserving their health. This post might be a surprise for those knowing me as a cybersecurity expert. In fact, in the past 3 years, I have project managed the implementation research of a privacy-preserving proximity tracing solution for EPFL EssentialTech Centre in the EPFL IDAIR project. Although still at the research phase, I am extremely excited by the potential of such solutions. However, I am saving this topic for another LinkedIn post where I will present the obvious link I see between working in cybersecurity and tackling digital challenges to better respond to present and future pandemics. For now, let's continue to invest in digital innovation as a vital component to enhance surveillance, track transmission chains, and protect communities from the threat of TB and other infectious diseases. Together, we can build a healthier and more resilient future. #EndTB #DigitalHealth #PandemicResponse Key facts on TB from WHO in the comments section

Disease surveillance is pivotal in epidemic and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, it is the key to protecting public health. We hope that the various stakeholders take appropriate actions to address these events.

Mpox, caused by the Mpox virus, is a serious viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or animals. Symptoms start with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a distinctive rash. Preventive steps like regular hand washing and avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals are crucial. The recent declarations by Africa CDC and WHO of Mpox as a public health emergency highlight the urgent need for global coordination and resource mobilization. Africa's proactive stance seeks to ensure adequate support and vaccine distribution, addressing gaps in surveillance and response. This is a critical moment for international cooperation to protect vulnerable communities. https://lnkd.in/etTV9vFX #Mpox #InfectiousDisease #PublicHealth #VaccineEquity #GlobalHealth #AfricaCDC #HealthSecurity