Monrovia, Liberia - In the Kessely Boulevard community, Shedrick Barlee, a 36-year-old father, clutches his one-year-old son, Blessed Barlee, as a healthcare worker prepares to administer the measles vaccine. Since 2021 Liberia has been battling an outbreak of measles due largely to interruption of routine immunization on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. At total of 13 334 cases and 95 deaths were recorded by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia.

For 43-year-old Ramatulai Kamara, a mother of four, the journey with cervical cancer began four years ago when she started experiencing severe bleeding. She sought help at multiple health facilities, seeing different doctors, but the eventual diagnosis brought devastating news: cervical cancer. “When I was finally told what was wrong with me, I cried. I was stressed, and many people said that cancer is deadly. I was also told that my only option was to go to Ghana for treatment, but I had no money for that.

Sierra Leone’s National Codex Committee (NCC) enhanced its capacity to engage in national, regional, and international Codex activities, contributing to stronger food safety governance and public health protection. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the NCC, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the Codex Trust Fund Secretariat.

Kampala – Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) marked its 70th anniversary with a celebratory event in Kampala, bringing together dignitaries including State Minister for Primary Health Care Hon. Margaret Muhanga, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, MakSPH Dean Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, and Ministry of Health Officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MakSPH’s work in advancing public health.

Dodoma : In light of a recent Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in neighbouring Rwanda, Tanzania has ramped up its efforts to prepare for potential outbreaks of the deadly virus. To evaluate and improve the country's preparedness, the  World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, organized a tabletop simulation exercise to test the National Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan and the National MVD Contingency Plan.

To strengthen collaboration and funding for health, the Angolan government and its partners renewed their commitment today in Luanda, on the sidelines of the Universal Health Coverage Day celebration, to accelerate the repositioning of primary health care and community health to guarantee quality health. 

Kampala – The Government of Uganda, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the broader community of health partners and stakeholders, has today launched the country’s second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II): 2024–2029.

Brazzaville - On Universal Health Coverage Day, a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional office for Africa finds that most African countries continue to rely heavily on out-of-pocket payments[1] (or out-of-pocket health spending) to fund their health services, and urges count

Nairobi – Kenya’s Ministry of Health declared an Mpox outbreak on 31st July 2024 after the first case of a truck driver was detected and isolated in Taita-Taveta county. As of 12th December 2024, 28 confirmed Mpox cases have been reported across 12 counties  with 18 (64.3%) recoveries, 9 (32.1%) admissions and one (1) death, case fatality rate (CFR) of  3.6%

In honor of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence-GBV, the WHO Botswana Country Office hosted a campaign featuring a video screening and discussion on GBV. A survivor shared a powerful story, highlighting key takeaways and exploring how WHO can contribute to ending GBV. Additionally, a pledge wall was set up for staff to write and share their commitments to addressing this issue.