Prof. Mohamed Janabi✓

RT @WHOAFRO: WHO is working closely with the DRC Government to intensify and sustain the #Ebola response. During his recent visit to Beni, @ProfJanabi engaged with communities and handed over supplies and equipment, including motorbikes and #IPC materials, to strengthen the response.

Over 10,000 cases of Bundibugyo virus disease have now been reported in the DRC, a sobering indication of the toll this outbreak has taken on families and communities. Yet there are reasons for hope. More than 2,600 people have recovered. New vaccine and treatment candidates for Bundibugyo virus are advancing through clinical trials, while laboratory testing, treatment capacity, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and surveillance continue to strengthen. Our teams are on the ground, working side by side with the government and partners to stop transmission and save lives. With sustained commitment, community trust and solidarity, and safe access to affected communities, this outbreak can be brought to an end.

The medical evacuation of a patient with Bundibugyo virus disease and her close contact from Nigeria to Switzerland has been completed successfully. I commend the national authorities and the health workers whose close collaboration enabled safe transfer. @WHO continues to support Nigeria in strengthening all aspects of the #Ebola response, as the country continues to monitor contacts following the detection of the now-evacuated case. ----------------- L’évacuation médicale vers la Suisse d’une patiente atteinte de la maladie à virus Bundibugyo et de son contact proche, tous deux en provenance du Nigéria, a été effectuée avec succès. Je salue les autorités nationales et les professionnels de santé dont l’étroite collaboration a permis d’assurer ce transfert en toute sécurité. @WHO continue d’accompagner le Nigéria dans le renforcement de tous les aspects de la réponse à l’épidémie d’#Ebola, alors que le pays poursuit le suivi des contacts identifiés à la suite de la détection du cas désormais évacué. ----------- A evacuação médica de uma paciente com doença pelo vírus Bundibugyo e do seu contacto próximo da Nigéria para a Suíça foi concluída com sucesso. Felicito as autoridades nacionais e os profissionais de saúde cuja estreita colaboração tornou possível uma transferência segura. A OMS continua a apoiar a Nigéria no reforço de todas as vertentes da resposta ao #Ebola, enquanto o país mantém a monitorização de contactos na sequência da deteção do caso agora evacuado.

The Swiss authorities have confirmed that the patient and her spouse arrived safely in Switzerland today. She is receiving care at Geneva University Hospitals @hug_ge, while her spouse is in isolation at University Hospital Zurich @Unispital_USZ. In our telephone conversation, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider conveyed Switzerland’s appreciation for the care provided by Nigerian health professionals and the close cooperation between our authorities and @WHO that made the evacuation possible. I thank the clinical and public-health teams in Nigeria and Switzerland, @NCDCgov, @BAG_OFSP_UFSP, @EDI_DFI and @WHONigeria for their cooperation, and wish the patient continued recovery. Here in Nigeria, contact monitoring, investigation of alerts and other containment measures continue, with support from @AfricaCDC and @WHOAFRO. We will provide regular updates through @NCDCgov and @Fmohnigeria. @OfficialFCTA @DrPavelUrsu @ProfJanabi @CDCgov @Dr_JeanKaseya @christian_happi @alikothe3rd @SalakoIziaq

Honoured to receive the Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH) award, the highest tier of the Academy’s Fellowship Roll, alongside an exceptional group of public health leaders whose contributions have advanced health and well-being across Africa and beyond. This honour belongs not only to those recognised, but also to the health workers, researchers, policymakers and communities whose dedication drives progress every day. I congratulate my fellow awardees and look forward to joining them for the formal induction ceremony in Abuja this December. Together, for #HealthForAll. -------------- Honoré de recevoir le titre de Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH), la distinction la plus élevée de l’Académie, aux côtés d’un groupe exceptionnel de leaders de la santé publique dont les contributions ont fait progresser la santé et le bien-être en Afrique et au-delà. Cette distinction honore non seulement les personnes récompensées, mais aussi les professionnels de santé, les chercheurs, les décideurs et les communautés dont l’engagement contribue chaque jour aux progrès de la santé publique. Je félicite les autres lauréats et me réjouis de les retrouver à Abuja en décembre prochain pour la cérémonie officielle de remise de cette distinction. Ensemble pour la #SantéPourTous. #HealthForAll -------------- Sinto-me honrado por receber a distinção de Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH), o mais elevado nível da Academia, juntamente com um grupo excecional de líderes da saúde pública cujas contribuições têm promovido a saúde e o bem-estar em África e além-fronteiras. Esta distinção pertence não apenas aos homenageados, mas também aos profissionais de saúde, investigadores, decisores políticos e comunidades cujo empenho impulsiona o progresso todos os dias. Felicito os meus colegas distinguidos e aguardo com expectativa a oportunidade de me juntar a eles na cerimónia oficial de admissão, que terá lugar em Abuja, em dezembro. Juntos, por uma #SaúdeParaTodos.

Today, 20 contacts associated with Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease were released from quarantine and reunited with their families after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period. All 20 remained asymptomatic during quarantine.

Earlier this morning, the Ebola patient in Nigeria and her contact, who is also her husband, were medically evacuated to Switzerland. The reasons for the evacuation are: ✅ Both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens. ✅ The patient is clinically stable. The Nigerian medical team successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilized her condition. On behalf of WHO and all partners, I warmly congratulate the Government of Nigeria, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and all those involved in the response. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to what Africa can accomplish when we work together. With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases. However, vigilance remains critical. Nigeria will continue the close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland will assume responsibility for the continued management of the patient and the follow-up of contact number 53, her husband. Congratulations once again to everyone involved. This is a proud moment demonstrating African expertise, resilience, and leadership in public health. ---------------------------- Ce matin, la patiente atteinte d’Ebola au Nigéria et son contact, qui est également son époux, ont été évacués médicalement vers la Suisse. Les raisons de cette évacuation sont les suivantes : ✅ La patiente et son mari sont tous deux citoyens suisses. ✅ La patiente est cliniquement stable. L’équipe médicale nigériane a réussi à la prendre en charge durant la phase aiguë de la maladie et à stabiliser son état. Au nom de l’OMS et de tous les partenaires, je félicite chaleureusement le Gouvernement du Nigéria, les agents de santé, les cliniciens, les intervenants d’urgence et toutes les personnes impliquées dans la réponse. C’est une réalisation remarquable et une preuve de ce que l’Afrique peut accomplir lorsque nous travaillons ensemble. Avec l’évacuation de la patiente et de son mari, le Nigéria ne compte actuellement plus de cas d’Ebola. Cependant, la vigilance reste essentielle. Le Nigéria poursuivra le suivi rapproché de 52 contacts, tandis que la Suisse assurera la prise en charge continue de la patiente et le suivi du 53ᵉ contact, son mari. Félicitations encore à toutes celles et ceux qui ont contribué à cette réussite. Ce moment est une fierté, démontrant l’expertise, la résilience et le leadership africains en santé publique. ---------------------------- Hoje de manhã, a paciente com doença pelo vírus Ebola na Nigéria e o seu contacto, que é também o seu marido, foram evacuados por via médica para a Suíça. A evacuação deve-se aos seguintes motivos: ✅ Tanto a paciente como o seu marido são cidadãos suíços. ✅ A paciente encontra-se clinicamente estável. A equipa médica nigeriana conseguiu prestar-lhe cuidados durante a fase aguda da doença e estabilizar o seu estado de saúde. Em nome da OMS e de todos os parceiros, felicito calorosamente o Governo da Nigéria, os profissionais de saúde, os clínicos, as equipas de resposta a emergências e todas as pessoas envolvidas na resposta. Esta é uma conquista notável e uma prova do que África pode alcançar quando trabalhamos em conjunto. Com a evacuação da paciente e do seu marido, a Nigéria não tem atualmente nenhum caso de doença pelo vírus Ebola. No entanto, é fundamental manter a vigilância. A Nigéria continuará a acompanhar de perto 52 contactos, enquanto a Suíça assumirá a responsabilidade pela continuidade dos cuidados à paciente e pelo acompanhamento do contacto número 53, o seu marido. Mais uma vez, felicito todas as pessoas envolvidas. Este é um momento de orgulho que demonstra a competência, a resiliência e a liderança de África no domínio da saúde pública.

I Confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland. The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline. This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place. The patient was evacuated along with her spouse who has remained asymptomatic. I thank all the various clinical staff for the high quality care they provided the patient as well as the public health personnel who ensured the evacuation was carried out in line with best public health measures for such evacuations. We will provide further updates later this afternoon after the patient and her spouse lands successfully in their destination. All public health measures are continuing to ensure successful containment of the imported virus. I urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources.

I am deeply saddened by the killing of a health worker in Bafwasende, Tshopo province, DRC. Another health worker was injured. Health is NOT a target. Those responding to the #Ebola outbreak must be protected. Misinformation and fear must never fuel violence.

RT @WHOAFRO: WHO is deeply saddened by the death of a patient receiving care for #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in Kenya. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and community. Seven patients continue to receive care, and all nine confirmed cases remain linked to a single cluster of known contacts, with no evidence of community transmission. WHO continues to support the Government of Kenya and partners in the response.

The Ministry of Health mourns the death of a 65-year-old woman who was receiving care for Bundibugyo Ebola and extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and community. Seven patients continue to receive care. All nine cases remain within one cluster, with no evidence of community spread.

This #WorldPolioDay, I welcome the progress Africa is making: 168M+ children vaccinated across 22 countries (Jan–Sept 2026). But we cannot be complacent. One child paralysed by polio is one too many. Persistent transmission and rising detections of poliovirus types 1 and 3 remind us that the risk remains real. Sustained immunity, sensitive surveillance and rapid response are critical to #EndPolio.

The first participants have been vaccinated as the Tumaini vaccine trial launched today in Bunia, DRC. Led by @inrb_kinshasa, co-sponsored by the University of Antwerp and funded by @CEPIvaccines, the trial receives technical, scientific and logistical support from WHO. The trial will evaluate candidate vaccines against #Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus among contacts of confirmed cases. As communities face the largest recorded Bundibugyo virus outbreak, Tumaini will generate critical evidence on candidate vaccines, helping strengthen the response and preparedness for future outbreaks. Guided by scientific rigour, transparency, ethical principles, informed consent and community engagement, this marks an important milestone in the response.

From sustaining funding to strengthening health systems and prioritizing prevention, we have the tools to #EndPolio. Now we must sustain our commitment and ensure every child is reached. Read my op-ed on @HealthPolicyW on why we must end polio now.

Public service is ultimately about people. Today, we honoured colleagues whose years of dedication, often away from the spotlight, have helped improve lives and strengthen health across the African Region. Your experience, commitment and values are a lasting asset to our Organization and continue to inspire us as we work together towards #HealthForAll. #UNDay

RT @WHOAFRO: Health workers and other frontline responders play a critical role in the response to the #Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Measures to protect them include training in infection prevention and control (IPC) and vaccination under a compassionate use framework. During his mission to Beni, North Kivu province, last week, @ProfJanabi attended the launch of vaccination for frontline responders. Watch the video for more. 👇🏾

The Government of Nigeria has acted swiftly following the detection of an Ebola case, taking measures to protect the public and prevent further spread. WHO is working closely with the health authorities to strengthen all aspects of the response.

RT @WHOAFRO: Join us live for a @WHOAFRO media briefing on the latest developments in the Ebola response in the African region. Hear from @WHOAFRO Regional Director @ProfJanabi, Kenya’s Director-General for Health @DrPatrickAmoth, and other experts as they share the latest on the response. 🗓️ Thursday, 22 October 2026 ⏰11:00–12:00 GMT

I commend the Government of Nigeria for its swift notification and activation of the public health response following confirmation of an imported case of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. I have spoken with Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor @muhammadpate, and reassured him of WHO’s full support for the Government’s response. WHO is working closely with the government and partners to strengthen the response through technical support for case investigation and contact tracing, enhanced infection prevention and control in health facilities, and the provision of essential supplies. I urge all countries to reinforce preparedness through vigilant disease surveillance, rapid investigation of alerts, ready-to-deploy response teams and adequate supplies. Early detection and a swift, coordinated response are essential to protecting health workers and communities.

Today, I toured the passenger screening operations at Beach Ngobila, the vital river crossing linking #Kinshasa and #Brazzaville. I was encouraged to see how digital innovation is strengthening our ability to detect Ebola early, enhance contact tracing and prevent the spread of disease across borders. Through its advocacy for stronger preparedness and surveillance systems, @WHO is supporting the deployment of the Preparedness Data Exchange (PDX) platform, which enables faster, more reliable data collection and real-time information sharing. This allows health authorities to act swiftly when potential risks are identified and strengthens our collective capacity to prevent outbreaks. As the world's closest capital cities, Kinshasa and Brazzaville are connected by deep social, economic and cultural ties, with significant daily movement across the Congo River. Protecting communities on both sides requires coordinated action, shared responsibility and sustained investment in preparedness. I'm pleased that a similar electronic screening system will be launched in Brazzaville next week, further reinforcing cross-border collaboration and strengthening health security for communities in both countries and beyond. This is a powerful example of how WHO's advocacy, innovation and partnership are helping countries build stronger defences against public health threats, ensuring that preparedness remains our first line of protection. ---------------------------- Aujourd’hui, j’ai visité les opérations de dépistage des passagers à Beach Ngobila, un point de traversée fluviale essentiel reliant #Kinshasa à #Brazzaville. J’ai été encouragé de constater comment l’innovation numérique renforce notre capacité à détecter précocement les cas d’Ebola, à améliorer le traçage des contacts et à prévenir la propagation de la maladie au-delà des frontières. Grâce à son plaidoyer en faveur du renforcement des systèmes de préparation et de surveillance, l’@OMS soutient le déploiement de la plateforme Preparedness Data Exchange (PDX), qui permet de collecter des données plus rapidement et de manière plus fiable, tout en facilitant le partage d’informations en temps réel. Les autorités sanitaires peuvent ainsi réagir rapidement dès qu’un risque potentiel est identifié, renforçant notre capacité collective à prévenir les flambées épidémiques. Kinshasa et Brazzaville, les deux capitales les plus proches au monde, sont unies par des liens sociaux, économiques et culturels étroits, avec d’importants mouvements quotidiens de personnes de part et d’autre du fleuve Congo. Protéger les communautés des deux côtés nécessite une action coordonnée, une responsabilité partagée et des investissements durables dans la préparation aux urgences sanitaires. Je me réjouis qu’un système électronique de dépistage similaire soit mis en service à Brazzaville la semaine prochaine, renforçant davantage la collaboration transfrontalière et la sécurité sanitaire des populations des deux pays et au-delà. C’est un exemple concret de la manière dont le plaidoyer de l’OMS, l’innovation et les partenariats aident les pays à mieux se protéger contre les menaces pour la santé publique, en faisant de la préparation notre première ligne de défense. ---------------------------- Hoje, visitei as operações de rastreio de passageiros em Beach Ngobila, uma importante passagem fluvial que liga #Kinshasa a #Brazzaville. Foi encorajador ver como a inovação digital está a reforçar a nossa capacidade de detetar precocemente casos de Ébola, melhorar o rastreio de contactos e prevenir a propagação da doença através das fronteiras. Através do seu trabalho de advocacia em prol do reforço dos sistemas de preparação e vigilância, a @WHO está a apoiar a implementação da plataforma Preparedness Data Exchange (PDX), que permite recolher dados de forma mais rápida e fiável, bem como partilhar informações em tempo real. Isto permite que as autoridades sanitárias ajam rapidamente quando são identificados potenciais riscos e reforça a nossa capacidade coletiva de prevenir surtos. Kinshasa e Brazzaville, as capitais mais próximas do mundo, estão ligadas por fortes laços sociais, económicos e culturais, com um fluxo significativo de pessoas que atravessam diariamente o rio Congo. Proteger as comunidades de ambos os lados exige uma ação coordenada, responsabilidade partilhada e investimento contínuo na preparação. Congratulo-me com o facto de um sistema eletrónico de rastreio semelhante entrar em funcionamento em Brazzaville na próxima semana, reforçando ainda mais a colaboração transfronteiriça e a segurança sanitária das comunidades dos dois países e para além das suas fronteiras. Este é um exemplo concreto de como a ação de advocacia da OMS, a inovação e as parcerias estão a ajudar os países a reforçar a sua proteção contra as ameaças à saúde pública, garantindo que a preparação continue a ser a nossa primeira linha de defesa.

In Beni, I held important and fruitful discussions with members of the Provincial Assembly on strengthening #Ebola response in #DRC. Local leaders are essential to building trust, community ownership and collective action. With around two-thirds of deaths occurring at home, working closely with the communities is critical to encouraging early care-seeking, which improves the chances of Ebola survival. I thank the Assembly members for sharing their concerns and reaffirming their commitment to working together to protect communities and end this outbreak.