Democratic Republic of the Congo launches drive to vaccinate 62 million children and adolescents against measles and rubella

Measles and rubella vaccination in Lubumbashi-DRC
The Democratic Republic of the Congo today launched a nationwide vaccination campaign aiming to protect around 62 million children aged 6 months to 14 years against measles and rubella, ahead of introducing the combined vaccine into the national immunization schedule. The single measles vaccine will be replaced by the combined measles-rubella (MR) vaccine in routine immunization, while the catch-up campaign will help close immunity gaps among children and adolescents for both diseases.

From distance to access: Liberia launches four advanced NCD clinics to drive the WHO PEN-Plus scale-up

PEN-PLUS clinics launch

Liberia faces a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD), yet access to care for severe chronic conditions remains critically limited, especially in rural areas. In 2022, only 48% of health facilities offered NCD services. Existing policies and guidelines do not adequately address these gaps, leaving vulnerable populations without essential, lifesaving care. According to the validated NCD Policy, the burden of NCD in Liberia has significantly risen over the past decade, making up 38% of the disease burden, 60% of hospitalizations, and 43% of deaths in 2016.

Ghana Launches First National Quality of Care Report to Strengthen Health Outcomes and Advance UHC

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Ghana has taken a major step forward on its journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the launch of its National Quality of Care (QoC) Report, a landmark document that provides a comprehensive picture of the quality of health services across the country. Developed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the United Kingdom, the report offers critical evidence to guide policy decisions, strengthen frontline care, and improve health outcomes for all Ghanaians.

Countries, experts agree on 10-year Africa health workforce agenda

Countries, experts agree on 10-year Africa health workforce agenda

Pretoria—African countries have reached consensus on the priority actions, commitments and milestones that will shape the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035 in a major step towards transforming how the continent plans, trains and retains its health workforce. 

Ghana Advances School Health Reform with Orientation on WHO Global Standards

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Ghana is making significant progress toward strengthening its school health system through the ongoing revision of its national School Health Policy. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by Fondation Botnar, this initiative seeks to alignthe draft policy with the WHO-UNESCO Global Standards for Health-Promoting Schools (HPS). These standards provide a comprehensive framework for creating safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments that foster both physical and mental well-being, while enhancing academic achievement.

Media Empowered to Tell Ghana’s Quality of Care Story

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The media holds immense power to shape public opinion and influence how people understand health issues. More than just storytellers, journalists play a crucial role in driving accountability and shaping national health priorities. When done right, their work transforms numbers and reports into meaningful public conversations that can improve health outcomes for all.

WHO Africa endorses roadmap for safeguarding communities in health emergency operations

WHO Africa endorses roadmap for safeguarding communities in health emergency operations

Pretoria—The World Health Organization (WHO) in the African region, Member States and partners have agreed on a roadmap to protect communities during public health emergencies, becoming the first region to formally establish systems that hold both governments and WHO jointly accountable for preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in their shared operations. 

Ministry of Health, WHO, and World Diabetes Foundation unite to strengthen diabetes and hypertension prevention and care in Uganda

Jovita Atuheire a health worker at Maziba Health Center IV interacting with a patient

At Maziba Health Centre IV in Kabale district, a clinical officer Jovita Atuheire gently explains to Sarah—a patient presenting with general body weakness—that she has hypertension. Thanks to the integrated screening services supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), Sarah leaves the facility with a clear understanding of her blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and a plan for managing the hypertension.