World No-Tobacco Day 2025: WHO joined Health Ministry, VISA NGO and University of Mauritius to unmask tobacco deadly products over a three-week long celebration

 World No-Tobacco Day 2025 in Mauritius : Sensitizing nursing, medical and other university students on the harms of tobacco
In a compelling show of unity and determination, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the NGO VISA, and the University of Mauritius came together for a vibrant, three-week-long campaign to commemorate World No-Tobacco Day 2025. The celebrations reached a wide cross-section of Mauritian society — from medical, nursing, and university students to vocational trainees, educators, and prisons officers — all united under one message: Say NO to tobacco, and YES to health. Through workshops, interactive sessions, and awareness activities, participants learned about the dangers of tobacco use, the latest Mauritius Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 2022, and the cunning strategies the tobacco industry uses to hook a new generation — especially young people — through flavoured, attractive, and tech-driven products. "Don’t be fooled. Resist. Say ‘No’ to tobacco and nicotine addiction and ‘Yes’ to your health," urged Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative in Mauritius, during the campaign’s launch at the University of Mauritius in Réduit. A proud highlight of the event was the celebration of Mauritius receiving the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for its pioneering tobacco control policies. The award was presented to Health Minister Hon. Anil Kumar Bachoo at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva this May. "Mauritius is showing the world that bold tobacco control is not just possible — it's happening," Dr. Ancia declared. "But now is not the time for complacency. We must ensure the new tobacco law is widely known, properly enforced, and effectively save lives — especially those of our younger generations."

National training boosts cervical cancer prevention efforts in Botswana

From left: Dr. Tebogo Madidimalo with a trainee and ToT

In a continued effort to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners has launched a national training initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of both doctors and nurses in the screening and treatment of pre-cancerous cervical lesions.

WHO Namibia successfully conducted BMS HCM UX Lab

WHO

The Business Management System (BMS) is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to support the planning and implementation of organizational policies, practices, guidelines, processes, and procedures. It facilitates the development, deployment, and execution of business strategies and related management activities. To prepare for the upcoming rollout of BMS, each country office was tasked with conducting a User Experience (UX) Lab to familiarize staff with the new system.

WHO supports Government Response to Influx of Asylum Seekers with Vital Health Supplies

WHO supports Government Response to Influx of Asylum Seekers with Vital Health Supplies

Kigoma : The World Health Organization (WHO) in Tanzania has delivered critical health supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) kits, to bolster the national response to the ongoing influx of asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This intervention is part of WHO’s broader support to the Government of Tanzania, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs – Refugee Services Department, the Ministry of Health, and collaborating partners.

Uganda reflects on response to recent Ebola outbreak

Uganda reflects on response to recent Ebola outbreak

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, concluded a three-day After-Action Review (AAR) on 20 June 2025 to reflect on the country’s response to the recent Ebola outbreak.

WHO supports the development of Uganda’s TB and Leprosy strategic plan

WHO supports the development of Uganda’s TB and Leprosy strategic plan

Kampala. The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and key partners has kickstarted the development of Uganda’s next five-year Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy (2025/26–2029/30). A key milestone in this process was the National Strategic Plan development workshop held this week in Kampala, which brought together stakeholders from across the health sector and beyond to shape the future of TB and leprosy control in Uganda.

WHO Supports Training of Field Officers to conduct Poliovirus Containment Activities in Ghana

Participants

Ghana continues to make impressive strides in the fight against poliovirus, with the last confirmed case of Wild Poliovirus (WPV) recorded in 2008 and the most recent Variant Poliovirus (VDPV) detected in 2024. As the number of confirmed polio cases and detection of the virus in the environment decline steadily, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners remain committed in minimizing the risk of reintroduction of poliovirus. 

Ghana’s Pandemic Fund Grant Kicks Off with Inauguration of National Steering Committee

Group picture

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in health systems around the world—laying bare the urgent need for stronger investments in pandemic preparedness and response. For Ghana, it served as both a wake-up call and a powerful opportunity: a call to reimagine and rebuild a more resilient, inclusive, and responsive health system that can detect and address emerging health threats before they escalate into crises.