Windhoek—At 13 years old, Andre Hansen thought smoking was simply part of growing up.

Like many teenagers trying to fit in, he smoked his first cigarette in the company of other boys in his neighbourhood of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. What began as experimentation quickly turned into a 17-year-long dependence that would eventually open the door to other psychoactive substance use, the loss of relationships, stability and self-esteem.

Today, at 33 years old, Hansen has been tobacco-free and abstained from other substance use for more than two years.

Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo—Four nurses who were being treated for Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus have been discharged from a hospital in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, after recovering from the disease. More recoveries are expected, especially when people are diagnosed early and able to access care, and as outbreak response intensifies.  

In light of the worrying rise in diseases linked to tobacco use, Angola is reinforcing its commitment to prevention, regulation, and the protection of young people. The Health Roundtable on Smoking, organized by World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health, and partners such as the Private University of Angola (UPRA), marks an important milestone in this collective effort.

"Behind every accurate diagnosis is a laboratory that patients may never see, but one they rely on with their lives."

Whether confirming malaria in a child, detecting cholera during an outbreak, screening donated blood before a life-saving transfusion, or identifying emerging diseases, laboratory services form the backbone of a resilient health system, and a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being.

Kagera — As part of its commitment to strengthening health security under the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) and protecting communities from public health emergencies, the Government of Tanzania has intensified cross-border preparedness efforts against the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak affecting neighboring countries.

Johannesburg — Mental health experts, policymakers, civil society organizations and partners from more than twenty African countries, meeting for the first-ever mental health intercountry meeting, have called for stronger, coordinated action to close critical gaps in mental health services in the region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to support the Ministry of Health in strengthening preparedness for public health emergencies and advancing disease prevention efforts across Botswana. Recent initiatives have focused on reinforcing national readiness for Ebola virus disease and supporting preparations for a nationwide schistosomiasis control campaign. 

Praia, Cabo Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) actively participated in the 2nd Summit on Health Care Integration in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), held from 13 to 15 May 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a meeting that brought together policymakers, experts and partners to promote the integration of healthcare in CPLP countries. 

When African Vaccination Week (AVW) 2026 campaign began in the remote chiefdoms of Kailahun District in eastern Sierra Leone, health workers expected the usual challenges of reaching communities separated by long distances, poor roads and difficult terrain. Instead, they encountered a different obstacle - fear.