Yaoundé, May 15, 2026. In response to concerns raised by the international media about a hantavirus outbreak, the Cameroonian government is calling for calm and vigilance. During a press conference held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) in Yaoundé, the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, reassured the national public by stating that no cases have, so far, been detected in Cameroon and that the risk level remains low.

Bissau—Independent assessment recommends closure of the 2021 variant poliovirus type 2 outbreak, while calling for sustained immunization and surveillance. 

From helicopter-supported vaccination teams navigating the rugged mountains of Kunene to retired nurses returning to service to protect children, Namibia’s third round of the national polio outbreak response campaign demonstrated the extraordinary national effort underway to stop the circulation of poliovirus and protect every child.

Maseru — To address the high burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the country, the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho officially launched its National TB Parliamentary Caucus in a high-level event held on Friday, 8 May 2026, in Maseru. The launch was led by the Rt Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, and attended by the Minister of Health, Hon.

Bissau—World Health Organization organized a preparatory briefing session at the Ministry of Public Health headquarters in Bissau to support Guinea-Bissau’s participation in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), scheduled to take place from 18 to 23 May 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World Health Assembly is the main global forum where Member States come together to discuss international health priorities, shape global health policies, and define pathways to improve health outcomes worldwide.

Zanzibar — The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, through the Ministry of Health and the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme (ZAMEP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), SORA Technology of Japan, and the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), officially launch the Smart Drone Technology for a Malaria-Free Future in Zanzibar project, an innovative initiative aimed at accelerating malaria elimination efforts through the use of artificial intelligence and drone technology.

Abuja, A disease surveillance officer in Sokoto State notices a rise in suspected cholera cases through a digital reporting system. The alert triggers a rapid response, helping to contain the spread before it grows.

At a primary health centre in Kebbi State, a pregnant woman is able to deliver safely. The facility has trained staff, stable electricity, working equipment and a clear referral system.

In Abuja, public health experts review data from across the country. They track risks, guide decisions and support responses that protect millions of people.

Maiduguri, On a quiet morning in Maiduguri, Musa Bamaiyi Joseph watched laboratory staff move samples into new freezers.
“These machines didn’t survive the flood,” he said softly. “Now, we can work again. Without fear.”

This intervention demonstrates a simple truth: reliable laboratory infrastructure is essential to protecting children from preventable diseases.

Dodoma — Tanzania is strengthening nationwide efforts to improve access to timely, life-saving emergency care at frontline health facilities through the Accelerating Community and Transformative Learning for Basic Emergency Care (ACTxBEC) initiative.