Prof. Mohamed Janabi

@WHOAFRO Regional Director | Building a Healthier Africa, Together!
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[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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.

https://t.co/GplrHZ4nxp

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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

[WHO African Region @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. 👇🏾

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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.

[WHO African Region @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

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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.

https://t.co/3nidR4qabS

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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.
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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.
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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.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

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.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Yesterday in Beni, North Kivu, alongside Provincial Minister of Health Madam Prisca Luanda and National Incident Manager Professor Steve Ahuka, we launched ERVEBO vaccination under the compassionate-use framework.

Starting with health workers and frontline responders, North Kivu joins the national effort launched in Kisangani on 27 August, with more than 9,000 frontline workers already vaccinated.

ERVEBO is a safe vaccine that has saved many lives in previous Ebola outbreaks in DRC. While developed against Zaire ebolavirus and not Bundibugyo virus, laboratory data suggest it may offer some cross-protection. This was my fourth visit to eastern DRC since the outbreak began.

I thank the Government of DRC for its leadership and guidance, and all partners working alongside WHO in this response. Outbreaks are defeated not only by vaccines, but by courage, solidarity and the dedication of frontline workers.

Together, we protect lives.
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Hier à Beni, au Nord-Kivu, aux côtés de la Ministre Provinciale de la Santé, Mme Prisca Luanda, et du Gestionnaire National d'Incident, le Professeur Steve Ahuka, nous avons lancé la vaccination ERVEBO dans le cadre de son utilisation compassionnelle.

En commençant par les agents de santé et les intervenants de première ligne, le Nord-Kivu rejoint l'effort national lancé à Kisangani le 27 août, avec déjà plus de 9 000 agents vaccinés.

ERVEBO est un vaccin sûr qui a sauvé de nombreuses vies lors des précédentes flambées d'Ebola en RDC. Bien qu'il ait été développé contre l'Ebolavirus Zaïre et non contre le virus Bundibugyo, les données de laboratoire suggèrent une possible protection croisée. Il s'agissait de ma quatrième visite dans l'Est de la RDC depuis le début de la flambée.

Je remercie le Gouvernement de la RDC pour son leadership et son orientation, ainsi que tous les partenaires qui travaillent aux côtés de l'OMS dans cette riposte. Les épidémies ne sont pas vaincues par les vaccins seuls, mais aussi par le courage, la solidarité et l'engagement des personnels de première ligne.

Ensemble, nous sauvons des vies.
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Ontem, em Beni, no Kivu do Norte, juntamente com a Ministra Provincial da Saúde, Sra. Prisca Luanda, e o Gestor Nacional do Incidente, Professor Steve Ahuka, lançámos a vacinação com ERVEBO no âmbito do uso compassivo.

Começando pelos profissionais de saúde e trabalhadores da linha da frente, o Kivu do Norte junta-se ao esforço nacional iniciado em Kisangani a 27 de agosto, com mais de 9.000 profissionais já vacinados.

A ERVEBO é uma vacina segura que já salvou muitas vidas em surtos anteriores de Ebola na RDC. Embora tenha sido desenvolvida contra o ebolavírus Zaire e não contra o vírus Bundibugyo, dados laboratoriais sugerem alguma proteção cruzada. Esta foi a minha quarta visita ao leste da RDC desde o início do surto.

Agradeço ao Governo da RDC pela sua liderança e orientação, bem como a todos os parceiros que trabalham ao lado da OMS nesta resposta. Os surtos não são derrotados apenas por vacinas, mas também pela coragem, solidariedade e dedicação dos profissionais da linha da frente.

Juntos, protegemos vidas.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Today in Beni, North Kivu, we launched Ervebo vaccination, marking an important milestone in the #Ebola response.

While the vaccine is proven to work against Ebola virus (Zaire species), its effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus is being studied. I commend the health workers, community leaders and survivors driving this response forward.

@WHO remains committed to supporting efforts to end this outbreak.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Today in Beni, North Kivu, we launched Ervebo vaccination, marking an important milestone in the #Ebola response.

While the vaccine is proven to work against Ebola virus (Zaire species), its effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus is being studied. I commend the health workers, community leaders and survivors driving this response forward.

@WHO remains committed to supporting efforts to end this outbreak.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Today, I handed over more than 3 tonnes of medical supplies and equipment, along with motorbikes, to reinforce the #Ebola response in the #DRC.

Sincere thanks to our financial partners for their support and solidarity with the people of DRC at this critical time.

[WHO Ethiopia @WHOEthiopia]

.@WHO delivered a vital lifeline to conflict-affected communities across northern 🇪🇹, dispatching 71+ metric tons of essential medicines, medical supplies & health kits to 49 destinations in Afar, Amhara & Tigray as part of inter-agency convoy. Supported by @eu_echo @OCHAFunds.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Arrived in #Beni, North Kivu today, returning to the frontlines of #Ebola response to listen to teams, learn from their experiences, encourage their work and support their efforts alongside partners and health authorities.

Huge strides have been made across all areas of the response in recent months, but transmission remains high and the outbreak continues to spread. We must sustain and scale up the response to interrupt transmission and bring the outbreak under control.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Early detection and swift action are crucial to stopping #Ebola.

WHO continues to work with the Government of Kenya to support the response and strengthen preparedness across the region.

Read more 👇🏿

[WHO African Region @WHOAFRO]

The #Ebola response in DRC continues to intensify.

With support from @WHO and partners, the Ebola treatment centre in Isiro, Haut-Uélé Province, has been expanded to accommodate more patients, enabling essential health services to continue at Isiro General Referral Hospital.

WHO has also delivered an additional tonne of medical supplies to support the response.

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

A pleasure to meet Dr Michael Howell, Chief Health Officer at @Google, to formalize @WHOAFRO’s collaboration with Google.

Through the Regional Health Data Hub and WHO Emergency Hub in Dakar, we aim to strengthen health intelligence and help all 47 Member States anticipate health threats, make better-informed decisions and act early to protect lives.

Grateful for Google’s technical partnership.

@googlehealth

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Today at #WHS2026, I had an insightful discussion with EU partners on regional health collaboration.

The EU brings scientific and regulatory expertise, financing and experience of cooperation between countries. Combined with WHO’s presence across the African Region and close work with governments, these strengths can help build stronger health systems and improve preparedness and response to health emergencies.

For these partnerships to deliver lasting results, they must be guided by African priorities and strengthen national institutions. That is how we advance African health sovereignty and strengthen health security for both regions.