Malawi has recognized the importance of tobacco control in national health strategies and development plans. The National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2019-2029 includes the objective to reduce the use of and exposure to tobacco and tobacco products. The National Action Plan for the Prevention and Management of NCDs in Malawi 2022 identifies tobacco use as a leading NCD risk factor. The National Health Financing Strategy 2023-2030 supports using tobacco taxes as an innovative health financing mechanism.

Kagera - In the face of the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Kagera, Tanzania, frontline health workers and local communities have received vital support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners through the provision of over 2.5 tons of essential medical supplies, including Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) kits, ultrasound machines, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and equipment worth 30,000USD to help care for ill patients.

Africa’s ability to effectively prepare for and respond to health emergencies took a significant step forward as public health leaders, technical experts, and key stakeholders convened for a high-level regional consultation on strengthening National Public Health Agencies (NPHAs).

The Government of Botswana conducted a Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in selected districts to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable populations affected by climate change. The objective was to strengthen the country’s health sector to effectively and efficiently respond to climate-related impacts.

Monrovia, Liberia – In a significant boost to Liberia’s healthcare system, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered a consignment of essential medicines, supplies and one  electroencephalography (EEG) machine and accessories to the Ministry of Health. This contribution will strengthen critical services, including maternal and newborn care, blood safety, laboratory confirmatory testing services and mental health.

Mbale, Uganda – The World Health Organization (WHO) is reinforcing its support for Uganda’s ongoing Ebola response efforts, with a high-level delegation visiting Mbale district - one of the affected communities - to assess the situation on the ground and provide essential technical and operational assistance.

Juba, 7 February 2025—Today the Ministry of Health has declared a mpox outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State. This declaration follows a confirmation mpox Case by the National Public Health Laboratory on 6 February 2025.

Harare—“I got to know about the programme from my child when she got back from school and I provided consent," says Ropafadzo Shamuyarira, a 23-year-old mother of two from Mt Pleasant, whose children were vaccinated in Zimbabwe’s most recent polio vaccination campaign.

Freetown, Sierra Leone: From 3–7 February 2025, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a regional study tour for representatives from six Francophone countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Niger—to observe firsthand the country’s successful implementation of the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) Disease Interventions for Primary Health Care (PEN-Plus) strategy in Kono District.

Entebbe. Uganda’s Ministry of Health has conducted a training on Ebola disease detection and management for Community Health Worker representatives from Kole, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. The training also focused on developing the Ebola Community Health Workers curriculum. By leveraging community structures and assets, this initiative aims to enhance Uganda’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies.