Lesotho rallies against tuberculosis with community-led screening campaigns

WTB

Maseru—To mark World TB Day, the World Health Organization supported the Ministry of Health in launching rapid, community-led tuberculosis (TB) screening campaigns across all districts. Guided by the global theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, powered by people,” the initiative brought residents together for free testing, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to early detection, treatment, and reducing TB-related morbidity and mortality.

WHO field coordination turns zero dose data into targeted action to reach every child

WHO field coordination turns zero dose data into targeted action to reach every child

Mbale, Uganda: Across the hills and lowland communities of Eastern Uganda, strengthened collaboration is transforming how routine immunisation and public health emergencies are addressed. In many of the 16 districts and one city that make up the Mbale Region, children in remote, hard-to-reach areas continue to face challenges in accessing life-saving vaccines. 

African Countries Step Up Action to Strengthen Tobacco Tax Administration and Regional Cooperation

Twelve African countries gathered in Abidjan on 23–24 March 2026 to accelerate implementation of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, strengthening tax administration and cross-border cooperation. With 22 countries in the WHO African Region having ratified the Protocol, WHO AFRO and the Convention Secretariat reaffirmed their commitment to sustained technical assistance.

Faster diagnosis, earlier treatment: Tanzania advances the fight against TB

Faster diagnosis, earlier treatment: Tanzania advances the fight against TB

In Kigoma Region, a quiet but important change is transforming the fight against tuberculosis (TB). People who are suspected to have TB are now getting accurate results within hours instead of days. This means they can start treatment much earlier, recover faster, and reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.

Joint mission reveals progress and priorities for health service delivery in Matabeleland South

x

Zimbabwe continues to take important steps towards strengthening its health system and ensuring that quality services reach all communities across the country. In late February 2026, a high-level delegation of the Ministry of Health and Child Care conducted a joint mission to several health facilities in Matabeleland South Province to better understand progress on the ground and identify opportunities for improvement.

Ending TB: A shared responsibility

Dr Richard Banda, WHO Representative

Namibia joined the global community in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by Communities,” with renewed commitment to accelerate efforts to eliminate one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.


The national commemoration, held in Gobabis in the Omaheke Region, brought together government leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities to reflect on progress and address persistent gaps in the country’s TB response.

Tanzania Launches Subnational Polio Vaccination Campaign to Safeguard Children and Sustain the Country’s Polio-Free Status

Tanzania Launches Subnational Polio Vaccination Campaign to Safeguard Children and Sustain the Country’s Polio-Free Status

Dar es Salaam— The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania today launched a subnational polio vaccination campaign in the Lake Zone targeting over 6.7 million children the country. 

This is following the detection of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) through environmental surveillance. This campaign underscores Tanzania’s strong commitment to protecting every child and sustaining its polio-free status, built on resilient health systems, high-performing immunization programs, and decisive government leadership.

Rapid response, strong results: WHO reviews Marburg response in Ethiopia

Rapid response, strong results: WHO reviews Marburg response in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — March 2026 The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia Country Office played a decisive role in the rapid containment of the Ethiopia ’s first-ever Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak, successfully interrupting transmission within a short period and enabling the official closure of the outbreak on 26 January 2026. The achievement marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s public health response and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated, multi-level emergency operations.

Uganda’s National Drug Authority Receives WHO Tools to Boost Antimicrobial Stewardship

Uganda’s National Drug Authority Receives WHO Tools to Boost Antimicrobial Stewardship

Kampala, Uganda: Uganda has taken a significant step in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) following the handover of 300 WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic books to the National Drug Authority (NDA). The support comes at a time when the country, like many low and middle-income nations, continues to grapple with rising resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, a trend that threatens decades of medical progress.

Tanzania Accelerates Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage at 25th Annual Health Sector Technical Review Meeting

Tanzania Accelerates Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage at 25th Annual Health Sector Technical Review Meeting

Dodoma — The 25th Joint Annual Health Sector Technical Review Meeting (JAHS‑TRM) took place from 17–18 March 2026 in Dodoma, bringing together Government leaders, development partners, non‑state actors and the private sector to review health sector performance for 2025 and set priorities for the 2026/27 financial year. The meeting was held under the theme “Accelerating achievement of Universal Health Coverage through Transformative Leadership, Accountability and Digital Innovation in Ensuring a Healthy Society.” It was chaired by Prof.