Feature Stories

Antananarivo — Julien Ranjaivonirina, a 63‑year‑old farmer living in the Fitovinany region, smiles as he reflects on his journey. Standing in front of his wooden house, he recounts how the hydrocele he had for several years limited his movements and prevented him from working as he wished. Today, after receiving care, he is gradually regaining his pace and daily activities. “It feels like I’ve been given a second life; I can finally resume my days as before.” 

Ambatoboeny—In Madagascar, leprosy remains a major public health concern. Each year, between 1500 and 2000 new cases are reported, placing the country among the 23 priority countries for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against leprosy. The disease remains endemic in 37 remote districts across 16 of the country’s 24 regions. In 2024, a total of 1713 new cases were recorded. Almost 350 people (20% of all cases) are living with permanent disabilities caused by leprosy, which indicates late diagnosis.

Yeumbeul—In less than a decade, Senegal has reduced its maternal mortality rate by more than 50%, from 392 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2015 to 153 in 2023. Behind this progress, however, a more complex reality persisted: in many health facilities, women continued to experience childbirth marked by fear, lack of information and impersonal health care. 

Bangui—The Central African Republic has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 829 deaths per 100 000 live births recorded in 2023.

Behind these numbers lie painful realities: women giving birth far from health facilities, long distances to reach the facilities, limited resources and sometimes beliefs that hinder access to care.

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 ambassador against AMR 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—“I was scared and terrified because I was still very young when I received the news. What else was going to save me if the medicines that are supposed to treat me are failing?” wonders Brandon Jaka, a 26-year-old pharmacist in Harare, in reminiscence.

Born with HIV, Jaka has lived his entire life relying on daily medication to suppress the virus. From an early age of 8 years, he learned to manage his condition through strict adherence to treatment and diet with guidance from his doctor and family.

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.