A Life-Saving Milestone: Sierra Leone's Fight Against Cervical Cancer
For 43-year-old Ramatulai Kamara, a mother of four, the journey with cervical cancer began four years ago when she started experiencing severe bleeding. She sought help at multiple health facilities, seeing different doctors, but the eventual diagnosis brought devastating news: cervical cancer. “When I was finally told what was wrong with me, I cried. I was stressed, and many people said that cancer is deadly. I was also told that my only option was to go to Ghana for treatment, but I had no money for that.
National Codex Alimentarius Committee capacity strengthened in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s National Codex Committee (NCC) enhanced its capacity to engage in national, regional, and international Codex activities, contributing to stronger food safety governance and public health protection. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the NCC, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the Codex Trust Fund Secretariat.
Makerere University School of Public Health celebrates 70 Years of Excellence
Kampala – Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) marked its 70th anniversary with a celebratory event in Kampala, bringing together dignitaries including State Minister for Primary Health Care Hon. Margaret Muhanga, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, MakSPH Dean Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, and Ministry of Health Officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MakSPH’s work in advancing public health.
Kenya conducts a multisectoral Intra-Action Review to improve response to ongoing mpox outbreak
Nairobi – Kenya’s Ministry of Health declared an Mpox outbreak on 31st July 2024 after the first case of a truck driver was detected and isolated in Taita-Taveta county. As of 12th December 2024, 28 confirmed Mpox cases have been reported across 12 counties with 18 (64.3%) recoveries, 9 (32.1%) admissions and one (1) death, case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.6%
Uganda launches second National Action Plan for Health Security
Kampala – The Government of Uganda, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the broader community of health partners and stakeholders, has today launched the country’s second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II): 2024–2029.
UHC Day: High health-care costs in Africa continue to push over 150 million into poverty: new WHO report
Brazzaville - On Universal Health Coverage Day, a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional office for Africa finds that most African countries continue to rely heavily on out-of-pocket payments[1] (or out-of-pocket health spending) to fund their health services, and urges count
Ethiopia Advances Disability-Inclusive Health Services with Key Workshop in Adama
Adama, Ethiopia – A two-day workshop on advancing disability-inclusive health services in Ethiopia concluded successfully in Adama City, marking a significant step toward promoting health equity for persons with disabilities.
Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MOH) and Humanity and Inclusion (HI), the event brought together stakeholders from across the health and social affairs sectors.
WHO Botswana Hosts 16 Days of Activism Campaign
In honor of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence-GBV, the WHO Botswana Country Office hosted a campaign featuring a video screening and discussion on GBV. A survivor shared a powerful story, highlighting key takeaways and exploring how WHO can contribute to ending GBV. Additionally, a pledge wall was set up for staff to write and share their commitments to addressing this issue.
WHO Receives Certificate of Merit for Contributions to Ethiopia's Pharmaceutical Sector
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the pharmaceutical sector. The award was presented during EPA's celebration of its 50-year journey.
The arrival of MPOX in Angola - A call for preparation and compassion
In a significant development for public health in Africa, Angola has reported its first case of MPOX (formerly known as Monkeypox), marking a new chapter in the ongoing battle against emerging infectious diseases. From now on, the country is facing an international health challenge that requires rapid and coordinated action, combining science, communication, and compassion to protect the population and reduce stigma.