A campaign aimed at vaccinating over 300 000 people against cholera has commenced in the hotspot county of Rubkona, Unity State in a vital step to curb the ongoing outbreak, bringing the total number of counties where the vaccination campaign has been conducted nationwide to four.

Dedication, commitment, diligence, and an unwavering sense of duty – this is how the team at the World Health Organization country office Mauritius described Shamila Ajodha, for her unflinching support as programme assistant.  She is truly the cornerstone of the team.

During the past two decades, Shamila has excelled in her role, delivering high-quality work with tireless commitment. Her assiduity and pursuit of excellence were key to the many successes and achievements of “Team Mauritius".

Kampala. On 20 September 2022, Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), with the first confirmed case identified at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Over the course of the outbreak, 164 cases were reported, including 142 confirmed and 22 probable, resulting in 77 deaths and 87 recoveries. The outbreak, which spread across nine districts, posed one of Uganda’s greatest public health challenges in recent years. However, on 11 January 2023, Uganda declared the outbreak over – in record time of 69 days.

Kampala. As Uganda faces an ongoing mpox outbreak, the response is prioritizing innovation and inclusivity, particularly given the disease's disproportionate impact on Key Populations (KPs) such as sex workers and their networks. These marginalized groups, often subjected to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare, are at greater risk during public health emergencies.

In the Busoga region of eastern Uganda, the fight for survival has long been a daunting challenge for mothers and their children. With one of the highest institutional maternal mortality rates in the country – 93 deaths per 100,000 institutional deliveries compared to a national average of 82.7 (Ministry of Health Annual Health Sector Performance Report 2023/2024)– the urgency to act is undeniable. For years, families have grappled with a broken emergency referral system, where the lack of resources and infrastructure has turned preventable complications into tragedies.

Nimba, Liberia – Fifty Liberian professionals have successfully completed a one-month AVoHC-SURGE training program designed to strengthen the country's capacity to respond to public health emergencies. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Liberian government with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Canadian government, aims to bolster the country’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies.

The cholera containment and Mpox preparedness activities in Machinga District marked a critical intervention in safeguarding public health following the cholera outbreak declared on 10 September 2024. 

Twenty-eight-year-old Anna Akola smiles, a beautiful wide smile that lights up her whole face. She speaks very softly, and if you are not attentive, you can miss her words. It is hard to believe that this is the same person who, a fortnight ago, was writhing in pain and discomfort in the isolation unit at Pallisa General Hospital in Eastern Uganda.

I would like to congratulate the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Health, especially you Minister of Health, for the exceptional leadership in effectively containing the very first Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda. Your decisive actions, unwavering commitment, and rapid response were instrumental in preventing widespread negative impact and safeguarding lives. This remarkable achievement underscores Rwanda’s strong health system, resilience and dedication to protecting public health.