News Releases

Onchocerciasis: How to fight a parasite that threatens eyesight

Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, still affects millions of people living near rivers and wetlands in Africa. Fortunately, this disease can be prevented through a simple, free treatment that is distributed annually within communities. To better understand it's transmission, who is most exposed, and what progress has been made, we spoke with Dr Didier Bakajika, expert at WHO Africa.

What is river blindness and how is it transmitted?

Southern Africa faces acute surge in cholera due to floods, displacement

Cholera cases in Southern Africa region have risen by over seven times in the first six weeks of 2026 compared with the same period the year before due to severe flooding triggered by cyclones, infrastructure damage and inadequate water and sanitation among displaced populations, an analysis by World Health Organization (WHO) shows.

Newly released 2025 scorecard unveils progress and setbacks on health and gender equ...

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched its biennial scorecard, a critical tool that tracks progress on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across its 16 Member States. New data, including from demographic health surveys, shows great strides in improving the sexual and reproductive health of people across the region, while in other areas, concerted efforts are urgently needed.

WHO convenes global experts in Brazzaville to strengthen clinical care for filovirus...

As outbreaks of Filovirus Disease (FVD) continue to regularly affect countries across Africa and in efforts to increase preparedness capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has convened 50 clinicians, researchers and public health specialists globally and partners for a five-day Filovirus Disease Optimized Supportive Care Workshop to update and harmonize clinical management guidelines.

“Rising threats, regional solutions” podcast

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