Brazzaville – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa has launched a Regional Validation Committee for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus, marking a pivotal moment in ensuring a healthier future for every mother and child across Africa.

The Regional Validation Committee has a crucial task of verifying the content, validity and quality of the national validation reports towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of the three infections.

Harare – Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards strengthening its health system by committing to increase domestic financing through a health levy, a sugar tax, establishment of National Health Insurance and othe

Berea District—The vibrant community of Mamatebele, located on the outskirts of Berea District, recently came alive with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This pivotal global health initiative, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974, has played a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status.

Malaria elimination has been an agenda that the country has been pursuing for at least a decade now. During that time, the country had experienced fluctuations in malaria case numbers, some years recording increases, while others achieved case rates within elimination targets. These inconsistencies have been attributed to various factors, including the impacts of climate change on breeding seasons, programmatic weaknesses in other areas and the surveillance and Gaps in robust surveillance and timely follow up of cases.

Abuja - In Nigeria, vulnerable populations, especially those in underserved communities, remain at high risk of infectious diseases, including Lassa fever—an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus.

Dar es Salaam –Tanzania has successfully completed a review of its health emergency preparedness capacity, becoming the 5th (Central Africa Republic, Sierra Leone, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Tanzania) African country, and the 8th  globally, to officially evaluate its ability to respond to future health shocks.

On 17 November 2024, Namibia joined the rest of Africa in commemorating Africa Road Safety Day and the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region. This significant event, observed on the third Sunday of November every year, highlights the urgent need for better road safety measures, the preservation of human life and support for those affected by road traffic crashes. It is a time to remember victims, advocate for improved post-crash responses, and take action to save lives across the continent.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as one of the most significant health and development challenges of the 21st century. These diseases, which include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for 41 million deaths each year, with 85% of premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.