Infographics

Praia—Under the theme “Vaccinating is protecting—together we build a healthier future for Cabo Verde”, the Ministry of Health launched the introduction of three new vaccines on 22 January 2026. The vaccines—against Rotavirus, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV-13 and the hexavalent vaccine—were introduced into the national immunization schedule on 2 February 2026. This marks another historic step in ensuring that no child is left behind.  

Maseru—For many Basotho living with epilepsy, daily life is shaped not only by seizures but also by the silence and stigma that often surround the condition. Children are kept out of school, adults are denied opportunities and families carry a quiet burden of fear and misunderstanding. 

As Lesotho joined the global community in commemorating World Epilepsy Day, this reality was brought into sharp focus, alongside a renewed call for action to ensure dignity, inclusion and hope for all.

Dar es Salaam

As Uganda continues to grapple with recurrent public health emergencies driven by epidemic-prone diseases and climate-related disasters, a new wave of strengthened district-level preparedness is emerging, thanks to sustained technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Port Louis—WHO Representative, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, joins the Health Minister, Honorable Anil Kumar Bacchoo in the sensitization march on 3 February 2025 to commemorate World Cancer Day. The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Honourable Anishta Babooram, Junior Minister of Finance, Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Honourable Dr Babita Thannoo, Member of Parliament, students from the University of Mauritius and SSR medical college, and other distinguished guests join the walk to show their commitment and support in the fight of cancer.

Nairobi—Following the Joint External Evaluation conducted in September 2024, Kenya has validated its second-generation National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II) ahead of its official launch later this year.

Nairobi—Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, the new acting WHO Representative to Kenya, held her first official meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Health Honourable Aden Duale on 4 February 2026. The meeting set the agenda for 2026 and reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health.

Ethiopia’s Amhara Region face public health challenges driven by recurrent disease outbreaks, conflict-related displacement, and limited access to safe water and sanitation. Among the most critical emergencies in recent years has been cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease linked to unsafe water and poor hygiene practices. 

Across the winding corridors of district health offices in Uganda, a quiet but profound transformation is taking place. It is not marked by grand announcements or sweeping reforms, but by the steady, deliberate strengthening of the systems that keep communities healthy.

On Thursday, January 30, Angola marked World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (NTDs), celebrated annually under the theme “Unite, Act, Eliminate,” with an event that marks a significant advance in the national response to these diseases, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy for NTDs 2021-2030.