On World Health day, Uganda reflects on progress, challenges, and collaborative strategies to reduce maternal and newborn mortality under the theme "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,".  This theme calls for intensified efforts by governments and communities to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize women’s long-term health.

On April 7th, WHO Zambia hosted a significant advocacy meeting at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel to commemorate World Health Day. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes the importance of maternal and newborn health and highlights the need for more investments in quality healthcare services to ensure a healthy start for mothers and their babies.

The event brought together policy makers, health care providers, advocates, and civil society organizations to discuss initiatives to improve maternal and newborn outcomes in Zambia. 

The agony experienced by mothers during childbirth evokes sorrowful memories for Mrs. Atto Christine Lino, a midwife in South Sudan.

Women today are more likely than ever to survive pregnancy and childbirth according to a major new report rele

Cotonou, April 4, 2025 – Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN, recently appointed Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Benin, officially presented his crendentials on Friday, April 4, 2025, to His Excellency Mr. Olushegun Adjadi BAKARI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin. Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN thus becomes the 12^th WHO Resident Representative in Benin since 1961.

Today, Angola joins the global community in celebrating World Health Day, which is dedicated to maternal and child health under the “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, and it´s an occasion to call for communities, organizations, and governments to work together to advocate for actions that can improve people's health and well-being worldwide.

Sierra Leone – March 2025 – In a concerted effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B (Triple Elimination), Sierra Leone strengthened its healthcare workforce through targeted training of frontline health workers in Makeni and Bo. Held from March 10th to 14th, 2025, the training equipped healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver integrated EMTCT (Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission) services within maternal and child health (MCH) platforms.

Emergency preparedness and response are critical for global health security in an era of increasing public health threats. From pandemics to natural disasters, African nations face complex health emergencies requiring swift and coordinated responses. Recognizing the urgency of strengthening health security, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, and Dr. Abdou Salam, WHO Regional Emergency Director, conducted a high-level mission to Ethiopia from March 13 to 14, 2025.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO), with financial support from the Global Fund, has handed vital medical supplies and two brand-new Toyota minibuses to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Sierra Leone worth USD 432,000 to strengthen the country's health system's capacity. This donation forms part of the WHO's World Health Days celebrations that will run year long. 

Today marks a pivotal moment in Uganda's battle against malaria, offering hope to families across the country irrespective of where they live. The official rollout of the R21 matrix M malaria vaccine signals a major leap in protecting children from one of Africa's deadliest diseases. By integrating the vaccine into Uganda’s routine immunization program, this achievement lays the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come.