Public Health Emergencies are increasingly becoming complex and frequent and complex, often driven by a convergence of factors including disease outbreaks, climate-related events, technological hazards, and environmental degradation. In such a landscape, effective emergency response depends on coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts grounded in accurate, real-time information.

Pretoria, South Africa/ Geneva, Switzerland Member States at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly have adopted a resolution to designate 17 November as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. Brought forward by South Africa and Nigeria, and co-sponsored by over 60 countries from across WHO regions, the resolution affirms growing international commitment to eliminating one of the most preventable cancers affecting women.

At a  bustling outpatient clinic on the outskirts of Kampala, a nurse reaches for a thermometer—slim, silvery, and fragile. It’s a mercury-containing device, once a staple in healthcare, now recognized as a silent hazard. Uganda is taking bold steps to eliminate such risks and transition toward mercury-free healthcare.

As Uganda prepares to host thousands of pilgrims for the annual Martyrs day pilgrimage on 3 June 2025, the Ministry of Health, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and Malteser International, conducted a full-scale simulation exercise at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine to assess the country’s capacity to respond to mass casualty incidents during large public gatherings.

Mbabane—In the vibrant heart of the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni campus, a lively community hall bustled with energy, ready for the MTN Bushfire Live Dialogues. This platform brought together a diverse mix of experts in HIV, GBV, and mental health, alongside young leaders, and community members, all eager to shape conversations pivotal for their future.

Ana Rita’s life has improved since she began attending regular consultations at the local health unit in Assomada, on Santiago Island.
She is resuming a normal life after suffering a stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic and is significantly benefiting from the country’s efforts to improve elderly healthcare.

“I feel well received at this center, where we have our own room, and the attention and care we receive here have a great impact on our health,” says Ana Rita.

In a decisive effort to contain the spread of the cholera outbreak in Angola, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Luanda today marking the formal launch of a joint initiative to support the Government of Angola in the emergency response aimed at saving lives and halting the spread of cholera. 

Antananarivo - Madagascar has successfully halted the transmission of variant poliovirus type 1, following recommendations from a rigorous, independent Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) to declare the outbreak closed. This achievement marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts towards polio eradication.

Pretoria, South Africa – 20 May 2025 – On the occasion of the 53rd National Day of the Republic of Cameroon, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa (2015-2024) was awarded the title of Officer of the National Order of Valour, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the Government of Cameroon.

Geneva/Luanda, 20 May 2025 — Angola has pledged US$ 8 million to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Investment Round, joining a growing number of countries that are backing a new model for financing global health. The announcement was made today by H.E. President João Lourenço during his address to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, where he spoke both as President of Angola and as Chair of the African Union.