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Addis Ababa, 5 May 2025 — Ethiopia launched the global commemoration of World Health Day 2025 with a spirited “Walk the Talk” event at the scenic Entoto Park in Addis Ababa. Held on the morning of 27 April, the event brought together a vibrant cross-section of society—government officials, UN representatives, health workers, families, and citizens—united in a shared commitment to promote maternal and newborn health under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Botswana, Dr Fabian Ndenzako, held a high-level debriefing session with the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise, to discuss Botswana’s preparations for the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA). The meeting comes shortly after the launch of Botswana’s National Health Insurance scheme, signaling the country’s commitment to strengthening its health system.

Botswana commemorated African Vaccination Week (AVW) from 24th to 30th April 2025 under the regional theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.” The weeklong campaign aimed to promote equitable access to immunization and integrate other high-impact child health interventions. In Tsabong District, the AVW activities served not only as an opportunity to provide health services but also to reach some of the district’s most remote and underserved populations.

National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) play a critical role in translating global immunization guidance into country-specific policies. Comprising of independent national experts, these bodies offer evidence-based recommendations tailored to local needs and contexts, enhancing trust in vaccines, protecting lives and strengthening public health outcomes.

On 24 March 1882, Dr Robert Koch announced to the Berlin Physiological Society that he had discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This landmark discovery revolutionised the understanding and treatment of TB. By isolating and culturing the microorganism, Dr Koch laid the foundation for effective diagnostic and treatment methods that have since saved countless lives. In recognition of his pioneering work, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905.

Akure, When 30-year-old Ajibola Ibukunoluwa walked into the Comprehensive Health Centre, Isolo in Akure South Local Government Area in Ondo State, she wasn't just bringing her three-month-old child for a routine immunisation shot—she was stepping into a movement.

It was the annual African Vaccination Week (AVW), an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases across the African Region.

The commemoration was held nationwide from 24 to 30 April. 

As Uganda faces mounting challenges in financing its health sector amid declining donor support, the government is committed to ensuring that health is prioritized across all sectors. The Government of Uganda convened a three-day high-level national dialogue on health financing for Uganda convened in Kampala by the Ministry of Health, East African Community (EAC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other development partners.

Yenagoa, Four months ago, town criers and media in Bayelsa State, notified caregivers of the launch of the malaria vaccination campaign for children under 5-11 months.

The Ministry of Health's message through the Nigeria Primary Health Care Centre, World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and partners was clear: families with eligible children should take their young ones to health centres to bevaccinated against the deadly disease, malaria.

Bujumbura, April 2025 – Burundi had never seen anything like it before: on a Saturday in December 2022, 35-year-old Johari gave birth to six babies. She had been transferred from the southern town of Rumonge to the Kamenge Military Hospital in Bujumbura for specialized care.

“Everyone was astonished that day; it was unbelievable,” she recalled. “But I was the most amazed of all, seeing all my babies born alive. I thanked God for keeping me alive through it all.”

Access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable medicines is critical for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving public health outcomes. A strong National Medicines Policy (NMP) provides the framework to guide the regulation, selection, supply, and use of medicines — ensuring that no one is left behind.