Mbabane—In the vibrant heart of the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni campus, a lively community hall bustled with energy, ready for the MTN Bushfire Live Dialogues. This platform brought together a diverse mix of experts in HIV, GBV, and mental health, alongside young leaders, and community members, all eager to shape conversations pivotal for their future.

In a decisive effort to contain the spread of the cholera outbreak in Angola, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Luanda today marking the formal launch of a joint initiative to support the Government of Angola in the emergency response aimed at saving lives and halting the spread of cholera. 

Ana Rita’s life has improved since she began attending regular consultations at the local health unit in Assomada, on Santiago Island.
She is resuming a normal life after suffering a stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic and is significantly benefiting from the country’s efforts to improve elderly healthcare.

“I feel well received at this center, where we have our own room, and the attention and care we receive here have a great impact on our health,” says Ana Rita.

Geneva/Luanda, 20 May 2025 — Angola has pledged US$ 8 million to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Investment Round, joining a growing number of countries that are backing a new model for financing global health. The announcement was made today by H.E. President João Lourenço during his address to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, where he spoke both as President of Angola and as Chair of the African Union.

Antananarivo - Madagascar has successfully halted the transmission of variant poliovirus type 1, following recommendations from a rigorous, independent Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) to declare the outbreak closed. This achievement marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts towards polio eradication.

Pretoria, South Africa – 20 May 2025 – On the occasion of the 53rd National Day of the Republic of Cameroon, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa (2015-2024) was awarded the title of Officer of the National Order of Valour, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the Government of Cameroon.

Freetown, 17 May 2025 – Sierra Leone concluded its 2025 National Health Summit and Performance Awards, a three-day event convened under the theme “Improving Health Outcomes for All: Every Sierra Leonean Life Matters.” Hosted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health development partners, the summit brought together leaders from across government, civil society, the health sector, and development agencies to discuss transformative strategies for health system strengthening.

On 28 April 2025, WHO Country Representative, Dr. Fabian Ndenzako, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Botswana School of Nursing, a WHO Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Nursing and Midwifery Development since 1990. He was accompanied by Dr. Juliet Bataringaya, Health Systems Advisor, and Ms. Boingotlo Ramontshonyana, Focal Point for District Health System Strengthening.