Malawi has recognized the importance of tobacco control in national health strategies and development plans. The National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2019-2029 includes the objective to reduce the use of and exposure to tobacco and tobacco products. The National Action Plan for the Prevention and Management of NCDs in Malawi 2022 identifies tobacco use as a leading NCD risk factor. The National Health Financing Strategy 2023-2030 supports using tobacco taxes as an innovative health financing mechanism.

Juba: South Sudan has launched an ambitious nationwide campaign that aims to vaccinate an impressive 3.47 million children aged 0 to 59 months against polio, utilizing the innovative Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).

Victoria—From February 3 to February 7, 2025, the Seychelles Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted a vital workshop to develop the country's National Immunization Strategy (NIS). This initiative followed extensive efforts that were made in 2024 to conduct a situation analysis on the programmes performance, successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

After weeks of anguish and uncertainty, the sun shines again in the Paraíso neighborhood in Cacuaco. In his wheelchair, António is wheeled towards the vaccination team at the local community center. Once filled with worry and sadness, his gaze now conveys relief and gratitude. The cholera that devastated so many lives in his neighborhood has left a trail of pain. He has lost friends and neighbors. However, as he approaches the vaccination team, a genuine smile appears.

Kagera - In the face of the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Kagera, Tanzania, frontline health workers and local communities have received vital support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners through the provision of over 2.5 tons of essential medical supplies, including Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) kits, ultrasound machines, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and equipment worth 30,000USD to help care for ill patients.

Africa’s ability to effectively prepare for and respond to health emergencies took a significant step forward as public health leaders, technical experts, and key stakeholders convened for a high-level regional consultation on strengthening National Public Health Agencies (NPHAs).

The Government of Botswana conducted a Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in selected districts to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable populations affected by climate change. The objective was to strengthen the country’s health sector to effectively and efficiently respond to climate-related impacts.

Freetown, Sierra Leone: From 3–7 February 2025, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a regional study tour for representatives from six Francophone countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Niger—to observe firsthand the country’s successful implementation of the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) Disease Interventions for Primary Health Care (PEN-Plus) strategy in Kono District.

Monrovia, Liberia – In a significant boost to Liberia’s healthcare system, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered a consignment of essential medicines, supplies and one  electroencephalography (EEG) machine and accessories to the Ministry of Health. This contribution will strengthen critical services, including maternal and newborn care, blood safety, laboratory confirmatory testing services and mental health.

Mbale, Uganda – The World Health Organization (WHO) is reinforcing its support for Uganda’s ongoing Ebola response efforts, with a high-level delegation visiting Mbale district - one of the affected communities - to assess the situation on the ground and provide essential technical and operational assistance.