South Africa launches national drive to eliminate schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections in children

Participants

DurbanIn a major milestone for child health, South Africa has launched a nationwide initiative to eliminate two of the country’s most neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) — schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) and soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms) — with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners. Schistosomiasis, like soil-transmitted helminthiasis, rabies snake bites and leprosy, make up the four NTDs that are endemic in South Africa and are of public health concerns.

Botswana bets on the digital future: health transformation at the core of economic diversification

Botswana is charting a bold new course, firmly positioning itself as a digitally empowered, innovation-driven nation. Central to this ambitious shift from commodity-led growth is the transformation of the country's health sector.

This strategic direction was the highlight of the Botswana Technology Summit and Expo (Gaborone, 12-13 August 2025), where national and global leaders underscored the vital link between digital public infrastructure and national prosperity.

Digital Health as a Strategic Imperative

Sustaining efforts to end mpox outbreaks in Africa

Sustaining efforts to end mpox outbreaks in Africa
One year since World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), African countries have scaled up response measures and made progress to curb the spread of the virus.

Protecting the future: annual review meeting of Ethiopia’s EPPR project

Protecting the Future: Annual Review Meeting of Ethiopia’s EPPR Project

The Ethio-Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) Project held its first Annual Review Meeting from 9 to 11 July 2025 in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The review brought together high-level government officials, technical experts, UN representatives, and other partners committed to advancing Ethiopia’s pandemic preparedness through a unified One Health approach.

Ethiopia launches groundbreaking UN initiative to prevent child wasting

Ethiopia launches groundbreaking UN initiative to prevent child wasting

The Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP), officially launched the Joint UN Initiative for the Prevention of Wasting (JUNIPr) in Ethiopia. The initiative aims to accelerate national efforts to prevent child wasting—a severe and life-threatening form of malnutrition that affects more than 11% of Ethiopian children under five.