Trusting science to protect tomorrow’s health: An interview with Professor Francine Ntoumi (Congo)
Brazzaville - On World Health Day 2026, under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights committed individuals who use science to improve people’s lives. In the African Region, these initiatives demonstrate the concrete impact of research.
From Frontline Voices to National Impact: Strengthening Health Systems in The Gambia
Across various health facilities in the Central River Region (CRR), The Gambia, a quiet but impactful collaboration is unfolding: one that places frontline health workers at the heart of improving health outcomes nationwide.
WHO Africa and African Union step up joint action on neglected tropical diseases
Science serving lives: Interview with Dr. Alice Guingané, public health researcher (Burkina Faso)
Ouagadougou - On World Health Day 2026, under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights individuals using science to improve lives in the African Region.
Dr Alice Guingané, a hepato-gastroenterologist and lecturer-researcher at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Ouagadougou, is actively engaged in clinical research and disease surveillance. She emphasises that supporting science saves lives.
Standing with people and evidence: How Nigeria marked World Health Day 2026
Abuja, Twenty‑seven‑year‑old Godiya Tumba walked several kilometres with her two children to reach a temporary health outreach in Wuro Jabbe, Adamawa State. Neither child had completed routine vaccinations.
“I came because they explained why vaccines matter,” she said. “Nobody had ever told me like this before.”
Her experience reflects a wider reality across Nigeria: science saves lives only when people can access it, understand it, and trust it.
Africa Tobacco Control Partners Meet in Windhoek to Accelerate Action Against Tobacco Harm
Tobacco control leaders, government representatives, civil society organizations, development partners, and technical experts from across Africa convened in Windhoek this week for the Africa Tobacco Control Core Partners Biannual Coordination Meeting, reaffirming a collective commitment to strengthen tobacco control policies and protect populations from the devastating health and economic consequences of tobacco use.
Ghana advances vaccine manufacturing ambition with clinical trials strengthening
“Strong clinical trials systems are the backbone of credible research and a critical pillar of Ghana’s vaccine production agenda.”
This message from Dr Fiona Braka, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ghana, set the tone for a high-level gathering of policymakers, regulators, and researchers in Sogakope in the Volta Region, at a moment when Ghana is taking deliberate steps to transition from vaccine dependency to self-reliance.
Tanzania strengthens environmental surveillance to detect and prevent health risks with new pollution surveillance systems
Morogoro — Tanzania is strengthening it’s environmental health surveillance systems to better detect and prevent health risks linked to pollution. In April 2026, public health experts from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar convened in Morogoro to develop national guidelines for monitoring environmental pollution indicators that affect public health.
Health diplomacy in action: WHO convenes ambassadors to accelerate Nigeria’s path to Universal Health Coverage
Abuja, In a decisive step to accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria, on 14 April, convened ambassadors and heads of mission for its first Ambassadorial Health Diplomacy Roundtable in Abuja.
The meeting mobilised diplomatic alignment, resources and accountability to support the Government of Nigeria’s health sector reform agenda under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and its Sector-Wide Approach, and to deliver measurable health outcomes for all.