Today, Angola joins the global community in celebrating World Health Day, which is dedicated to maternal and child health under the “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, and it´s an occasion to call for communities, organizations, and governments to work together to advocate for actions that can improve people's health and well-being worldwide.

On World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for urgent action to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and ensure that every mother and baby not only survive but thrive. This year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, is a reminder that health starts at birth and must be protected throughout life.

On April 7, 2025, in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi region, Namibia launched a year-long campaign, in commemoration of World Health Day. Under the theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, the campaign aims to strengthen health systems and enhance service delivery to reduce maternal and child deaths. By focusing on improving healthcare access, training, and infrastructure, the initiative seeks to ensure that every mother and child in Namibia has the opportunity for a healthy and hopeful future.

Brazzaville – The African region has made progress in lowering maternal mortality since 2000 but needs a 12-fold increase in the annual reduction rate to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030, new estimates by the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Interagency Group show.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO), with financial support from the Global Fund, has handed vital medical supplies and two brand-new Toyota minibuses to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Sierra Leone worth USD 432,000 to strengthen the country's health system's capacity. This donation forms part of the WHO's World Health Days celebrations that will run year long. 

Emergency preparedness and response are critical for global health security in an era of increasing public health threats. From pandemics to natural disasters, African nations face complex health emergencies requiring swift and coordinated responses. Recognizing the urgency of strengthening health security, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, and Dr. Abdou Salam, WHO Regional Emergency Director, conducted a high-level mission to Ethiopia from March 13 to 14, 2025.

Sierra Leone – March 2025 – In a concerted effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B (Triple Elimination), Sierra Leone strengthened its healthcare workforce through targeted training of frontline health workers in Makeni and Bo. Held from March 10th to 14th, 2025, the training equipped healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver integrated EMTCT (Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission) services within maternal and child health (MCH) platforms.

Today marks a pivotal moment in Uganda's battle against malaria, offering hope to families across the country irrespective of where they live. The official rollout of the R21 matrix M malaria vaccine signals a major leap in protecting children from one of Africa's deadliest diseases. By integrating the vaccine into Uganda’s routine immunization program, this achievement lays the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the presentation of diplomatic credentials by Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, the newly appointed WHO Representative in Angola. Dr. Hazarika brings a wealth of experience in global health, strategic planning, and health system transformation, having previously held various positions at WHO and other international health organizations.