As the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) moves closer to achieving the global goal of wild poliovirus (WPV) eradication, maintaining sensitive surveillance systems becomes increasingly critical. These systems are essential for confirming the absence of poliovirus circulation, particularly in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, where polio free countries need sustained high-quality surveillance to ensure they remain free of WPV and other poliovirus variants.

On 13 June 2025, Namibia commemorated the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) in Outjo, Kunene region. The event was commemorated under the theme “Unmasking the appeal”. This year’s WNTD campaign aims to reveal the strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their harmful products enticing, particularly to young people. By exposing these tactics, WHO seeks to drive awareness, advocate for stronger policies, including a ban on flavours that make tobacco and nicotine products more appealing, and protect public health.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect over a billion people globally, with schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms, remaining a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Praziquantel, the medication used to treat these infections, donated by Merck through WHO’s drug donation programme, is the cornerstone of Zambia’s fight against schistosomiasis.   But challenges in ordering and distribution have led to stock imbalances, expiry risks, and delays in mass drug administration campaigns, threatening the sustainability of the programme.

Morogoro — Tanzania has marked a significant milestone in its public health preparedness journey by validating its first-ever Infodemic Management Strategy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The two-day workshop, held in Morogoro, brought together government officials, health communication experts, and development partners to critically review and endorse a framework designed to counter misinformation during health emergencies.

Juba - Amidst the ongoing cholera outbreak in South Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed gratitude for the critical support provided by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and WHO’s Standby Partners (SBPs). Their timely and coordinated assistance has significantly enhanced WHO’s capacity to support the government of South Sudan’s efforts to contain the outbreak.

Luanda, July 4, 2025 - With the number of cholera cases showing a sustained downward trend and no deaths reported in recent days, Angola today received 2 million oral cholera vaccines, in a joint effort between the Ministry of Health, Gavi - the Global Alliance for Vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the European Union and other partners in the health sector.

In preparation for the rollout of the new Business Management System (BMS), WHO Office in South Sudan conducted a five-day BMS Human Capital Management (HCM) Lab to familiarize staff with WHO’s new BMS, which will replace the current GSM-based system to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.

When a public health emergency strikes, it leaves more than just a medical footprint—it exposes deep social vulnerabilities and tests the resilience of communities. In the districts of Fort Portal, Kabarole and Kyegegwa, in western Uganda, the recent Ebola outbreak did not only affect health of individuals, health care delivery and disruptions in services but caused a drift in social-economic and psychological vulnerabilities impacting production rates and risks for economic threats.

Brazzaville – Experts, policymakers and global health partners have called for stronger, coordinated action to prevent backsliding on progress made against vaccine-preventable diseases in the African Region, where millions of children are still at risk.

Bulamagi, Iganga District, Uganda — In a landmark achievement for public health in eastern Uganda, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has officially commissioned 28 newly refurbished health facilities across five districts in the Busoga region. This milestone marks a transformative step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving the quality of care for millions.