By: Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola

Zanzibar — The United Republic of Tanzania has conducted a week-long induction training for Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s capacity for emergency preparedness and response. The initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all Tanzanians.

Pretoria, 19 March 2026 — South Africa’s National Department of Health jointly with World Health Organization Country Office in South Africa convened partners to launch the inaugural edition of the Health Financing Progress Matrix (HFPM) report in Pretoria. The event shared the HFPM findings and opened dialogue on practical options to strengthen health financing in support of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with an emphasis on the use of evidence, focus on equity and sustainable progress, and strengthening planning for UHC.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.