Feature Stories

Dakar — Since September, Senegal has been facing an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes or through contact with infected animals. Affecting both humans and livestock, it spreads mainly in pastoral areas and transhumance zones.

Antananarivo — When Lalaina Mihobintsoa speaks about his commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), his words are simple yet powerful. “I want everyone around me to understand why we need to act,” he says with conviction. A veterinary medicine student, he chose to become an AMR ambassador to raise awareness in his community. “It’s not complicated: if we share the right practices, we can prevent many problems,” he explains with a smile.

Dakar – As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) silently threatens global health, a Senegalese expert stands out as one of the continent’s most committed voices. Moving between lecture halls and fieldwork, Dr Oumar Bassoum turns challenges into opportunities to protect the  common good: preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Brazzaville —To strengthen health systems and help protect people from economic strain when seeking care, the World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region and the African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC) are deepening collaboration to improve how countries measure health spending and monitor financial protection.  

By enhancing health data quality, this partnership is helping governments make informed decisions to ensure resources are used where they matter the most, advancing towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Harare – Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancers by integrating cancer and chronic disease services into primary health care. This approach aims to bring essential health services closer to communities and ensure women have equitable access to quality care.

Cervical cancer remains one of the major public health challenges in Africa, even though it is almost entirely preventable.

On Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, celebrated on 17 November, we spoke with Dr Issimouha Dillé, Adviser on Cancer Control at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, to understand why this disease persists and how we can work together to eliminate it.

Bulape — Ebola virus disease is a serious illness. When detected late, it claims many lives, even with recent advances in vaccines and therapeutics. Although the disease has become more manageable with improved care and as response capacities, it still takes a heavy toll on families and communities.

Dakar ‒ Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers on the African continent. Studies report high incidence and mortality rates among African men compared to men of other origins. This is explained by a combination of biological, genetic and social factors.