Dar es Salaam – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, is in the United Republic of Tanzania on an official visit representing WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to advance high-level dialogue and action on maternal, newborn and child health.

Maseru—Lesotho has officially received its first shipment of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that marks a historic milestone in the country’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. The handover took place in Mafeteng district during a high-level ceremony presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, and attended by senior government officials, including the Honourable Minister of Health and the Minister of Finance, as well as key development partners.

After five consecutive years without human cases and with significant progress in strengthening epidemiological surveillance, community mobilisation and response to animal infections, the country is entering a decisive phase towards the global goal of eradicating the disease by 2030. These advances represent an important milestone in controlling the disease.

The Government of Angola launched a subnational polio vaccination campaign in the municipality of Namacunde, Cunene Province, running from 24 to 27 February 2026, across 13 municipalities of 4 provinces bordering the Republic of Namibia. The initiative is carried out in synchronization with Namibia, aiming to interrupt poliovirus circulation and protect all children at risk.

Nairobi—When a friend's father urgently needed a blood donation, Samson Mutua had to say no.

H.E. Josephine Lagu Yanga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of the Service Cluster, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening cancer prevention and overall health systems during a courtesy visit by the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Juba.

Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, still affects millions of people living near rivers and wetlands in Africa. Fortunately, this disease can be prevented through a simple, free treatment that is distributed annually within communities. To better understand it's transmission, who is most exposed, and what progress has been made, we spoke with Dr Didier Bakajika, expert at WHO Africa.

What is river blindness and how is it transmitted?

Juba- When severe flooding submerged large parts of Fangak County in Jonglei State, entire communities were cut off from basic services. Roads disappeared under water. Health facilities were damaged or became inaccessible. Families were stranded without transport. For many, even a minor illness could turn life-threatening.

For 33-year-old Mary from Pajiok village in Patia Payam, Fangak County, 23 September will forever remain etched in her memory, a day marked by panic andpain. Her three-month-old baby boy had accidentally fallen into a basin of hot water at home.