South Africa News

Johannesburg—Technical experts from 14 African countries, multilateral development banks, development partners, and global health initiatives are convening in Johannesburg for a three-day Regional Technical Meeting on Innovative Financing for Health in Africa, co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the Global Fund. 

Durban—In a major milestone for child health, South Africa has launched a nationwide initiative to eliminate two of the country’s most neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) — schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) and soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms) — with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners. Schistosomiasis, like soil-transmitted helminthiasis, rabies snake bites and leprosy, make up the four NTDs that are endemic in South Africa and are of public health concerns.

Pretoria—Breastfeeding is crucial as it is a baby's first vaccine, providing essential protection from diseases and supporting brain development. There is clear and compelling evidence that a decreased or lack of breastfeeding can seriously contribute to poor health, growth and development as well as the survival of infants, children and mothers.

Pretoria—The National Department of Health (NDoH) of the Republic of South Africa, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), today officially launched the Pandemic Fund Project at the Protea Fire & Ice, Menlyn in Pretoria, South Africa.

Johannesburg – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, in partnership with Member States and key stakeholders, has concluded a landmark week of working sessions in Johannesburg aimed at transforming Africa’s health workforce landscape. Held from 7 to 12 July 2025, the sessions focused on strengthening workforce data systems to track health labour market, operationalizing the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, and shaping the next regional plan for health workforce development.

Pretoria – Each year, more than 8 million people worldwide lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases including over 1 million due to second-hand smoke. These are not just numbers; they are parents, siblings, children, and friends.

Pretoria - World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDoH), hosted a high-level five-day consultative workshop from 26–30 May 2025 in Pretoria. The workshop marked a critical milestone in South Africa’s journey to eliminate malaria by 2028. Focused on Microstratification and Foci Implementation Review, the meeting brought together provincial health officials, technical experts, and operational partners to refine and align data-driven malaria strategies with WHO recommendations.

Pretoria, South Africa/ Geneva, Switzerland Member States at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly have adopted a resolution to designate 17 November as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. Brought forward by South Africa and Nigeria, and co-sponsored by over 60 countries from across WHO regions, the resolution affirms growing international commitment to eliminating one of the most preventable cancers affecting women.

Pretoria – On the occasion of Africa Vaccination Week 2025, we join the continent and the global community in reaffirming our shared commitment to the power and promise of immunisation. This year’s theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” and the slogan “Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities” remind us that universal immunisation is not only a moral imperative, but a practical goal within reach.