Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest health threats of the 21st century. Climate risks are increasing, and Ghana is no exception. From deadly heatwaves, erratic rainfall, flooding to rising cases of climate-sensitive diseases, the climate crisis will exert additional pressures on the country’s health and social care systems.

By: Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola.

This week marks the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, a time to reflect on a simple truth: the most basic and sustainable forms of transportation, walking and cycling, should never pose a threat to life. Yet every day, 3,200 people die on the world’s roads, almost one in four of whom are pedestrians or cyclists.

Although World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is commemorated globally on 24 March, WHO Botswana extended the conversation into May with a staff awareness session aimed at reinforcing key messages around TB prevention and control. During the session, Boingotlo Ramontshonyana delivered a compelling address, urging colleagues to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing one of the country’s enduring public health challenges.

The World Health Organization joined the Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD), reinforcing the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety within healthcare settings.

This year’s theme “It may be gloves, it is always hand hygiene” highlights the ongoing need for proper hand hygiene practices—even when gloves are used. 

Addis Ababa, 5 May 2025 — Ethiopia launched the global commemoration of World Health Day 2025 with a spirited “Walk the Talk” event at the scenic Entoto Park in Addis Ababa. Held on the morning of 27 April, the event brought together a vibrant cross-section of society—government officials, UN representatives, health workers, families, and citizens—united in a shared commitment to promote maternal and newborn health under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Botswana, Dr Fabian Ndenzako, held a high-level debriefing session with the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise, to discuss Botswana’s preparations for the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA). The meeting comes shortly after the launch of Botswana’s National Health Insurance scheme, signaling the country’s commitment to strengthening its health system.

National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) play a critical role in translating global immunization guidance into country-specific policies. Comprising of independent national experts, these bodies offer evidence-based recommendations tailored to local needs and contexts, enhancing trust in vaccines, protecting lives and strengthening public health outcomes.

On 24 March 1882, Dr Robert Koch announced to the Berlin Physiological Society that he had discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This landmark discovery revolutionised the understanding and treatment of TB. By isolating and culturing the microorganism, Dr Koch laid the foundation for effective diagnostic and treatment methods that have since saved countless lives. In recognition of his pioneering work, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905.

In response to the third call for proposals by the Pandemic Fund, an international financing mechanism with a budget of $500 million, Botswana developed a single-country proposal aimed at strengthening its health systems for pandemic preparedness and response through a One Health approach. The Fund supports countries with multiyear grants to enhance health system resilience, increase investments, and improve readiness for future health threats.

Botswana commemorated African Vaccination Week (AVW) from 24th to 30th April 2025 under the regional theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.” The weeklong campaign aimed to promote equitable access to immunization and integrate other high-impact child health interventions. In Tsabong District, the AVW activities served not only as an opportunity to provide health services but also to reach some of the district’s most remote and underserved populations.