Prof. Mohamed Janabi

.@WHOAFRO is closely monitoring and supporting response to a public health event involving a cruise vessel crossing the Atlantic Ocean. As of 3 May 2026, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, with five additional suspected cases. Tragically, three people have died, and one patient remains in intensive care in South Africa. Hantavirus is a rare disease typically linked to exposure to infected rodents, and while severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people. WHO is working closely with the countries concerned and the ship’s operators to support medical care, coordinate evacuations and conduct a full public health risk assessment. For Africa, the risk remains low at this time, but our vigilance is high. We are strengthening surveillance and preparedness to ensure swift and effective response. Let me reassure the public that this is a serious but contained event and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage. Our focus is clear: to save lives, contain risks and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action.

WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa. Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing. Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces). While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response. WHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board. WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordination. We have informed our National Focal Points according to the International Health Regulations and a Disease Outbreak News for the public will be issued.

A valuable opportunity for me and my brother @hans_kluge, Regional Director of @WHO_Europe, to witness the work of @Insprdc, #DRC’s flagship health emergency response centre. Deeply impressed by the commitment and determination of the staff. Institutions like this are at the heart of global health security. @WHO commits to continue supporting and working with DRC🇨🇩 in this excellent endeavour to serve humanity.

I’m truly Impressed by the work of @inrb_kinshasa, #DRC’s reference lab, which I visited today. In Kinshasa I don’t just see institutions. I feel history. This is where courage met the unknown. In 1976, here in DRC the world encountered Ebola for the first time. It was the beginning of Africa’s scientific leadership. As @WHO, we commit to walk with you, invest in you to ensure that your work shapes the future of global health.

Productive discussions with @UN_Lemarquis, UN Resident Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with my brother @hans_kluge. A coordinated One UN response to national health priorities is critical to delivering #HealthForAll and accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, AKU President, along with Dr Tania Bubela, Provost, and Mr Amin Mawji, AKDN Diplomatic Representative in East Africa, held a constructive discussion with Dr Mohamed Janabi, Regional Director of the World Health Organization African Region (WHO-AFRO). The meeting focused on areas of mutual collaboration and the formalisation of partnerships in the coming days — reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing health systems and impact across the region. #AKUPartnerships

A true honour to welcome my brother, @hans_kluge, Regional Director of @WHO_Europe, to our headquarters in Brazzaville, Congo. Our regions may have different realities, but we also face common challenges: health security threats, climate change and rising inequalities. Our signing today of Letter of Understanding underscores our deepening collaboration. We’re stronger, safer and better prepared when we work together.

A great pleasure today to welcome ambassadors to Congo🇨🇬 at our @WHOAFRO headquarters in Brazzaville, from where coordinate support to 47 countries in the region. The partnership between ambassadors and WHO regional office is one of the most important bridges we have between political commitment and practical action. We look forward to deepening our partnership in service of Africa's health.

We’ve been honest this week. We’ve acknowledged that the old ways are shifting. But disruption is not only a challenge; it is an opportunity to stop patching systems and start building durable ones. As #WHSNairobi2026 comes to a close, I am encouraged by the depth of dialogue, shared purpose and commitment over the past three days. We leave Nairobi aligned, motivated and ready to move from ideas to action. Thank you to all who contributed to these important conversations.

Financing the future of health in Africa is not only about the level of resources, but how they are structured. Pleased to join the conversation on Financing the Future of Health in Africa at #WHSNairobi2026. We need longer-term, more flexible financing aligned with national priorities, alongside stronger country ownership. @WHO supports countries’ efforts to strengthen financing that delivers real, sustainable impact.

At the high-level event for the Commemoration of Africa Vaccination Week on the sidelines of #WHSNairobi2026, I highlighted the math: every $1 invested in childhood vaccination in Africa returns an estimated $44 in economic benefits. Immunization is one of the smartest investments countries can make for growth and resilience. @WHO will continue to support countries in strengthening immunization programmes and advancing equitable access.

We face a stark reality of reduced financing and rising health needs. Good discussion today at #WHSNairobi2026 with the #HIIP Steering Committee on aligning health financing. Africa has the ideas and the reforms. The way forward is coordinated, country-led investment with primary health care at the centre.

Good meeting today with @HonAdenDuale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya, alongside my brother, @hans_kluge, on the margins of #WHSNairobi2026. We are committed to deepening collaboration to strengthen health systems and improve access to quality care. Count on WHO’s full support to advance #HealthForAll for all Kenyans.

We are at a defining moment for health in Africa, with growing needs, constrained resources and rising expectations. Yet there is also real promise. Through shared responsibility and partnership, we can build stronger, more resilient and more equitable health systems that deliver in good times and in tough times. #WHSNairobi2026

Africa should not simply consume the digital future; we must design, govern and lead it. At #WHSNairobi2026, I joined Ministers to discuss health data sovereignty. Digital health and AI are not just tools; they are strategic national assets and a matter of self-determination. Our ambition is clear: technology developed not only for Africa, but with and by Africa. Whether these systems reflect our priorities and ethics is a political choice we must make.

Africa is at a crossroads. With aid down 23% and a $65B financing gap, 385M people are pushed into poverty by health costs each year. We must move from volatility to sustainability. My message at the #WHSNairobi2026 Transforming Health Financing in Africa session was clear: health security requires stronger domestic investment, innovative financing, and “One Plan, One Budget, One Report.” By prioritizing costed primary health care plans, we do not just provide care, we build economic resilience.

Africa has made progress against #NTDs, with several countries eliminating at least one NTD. Efforts to improve maternal, child and other health priorities are also bearing fruit. .@HananBalkhy, Regional Director for @WHOEMRO, and I had an excellent discussion with Richard Matikanya, Deputy Executive Director of @CIFFchild, on the margins of #WHSNairobi2026, on sustaining this momentum. Grateful to @CIFFchild for the support and partnership to achieve national health goals. Together, for #HealthForAll.

Insightful deliberations on Re-imagining Africa’s Health Systems in an Age of Polycrisis at #WHSNairobi2026. The challenge for our health systems is no longer ambition. Countries have strategies and plans, but the real test is delivery. We need systems that can anticipate, absorb and respond to shocks through resilient execution and stronger integration. Ultimately, success is not measured by what we plan. It is measured by what we consistently deliver and the lives we save.

An honour to join H.E. @WilliamsRuto, President of Kenya, distinguished leaders and delegates at the opening of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026. @WHO is proud to co-convene this gathering at a time when global cooperation is shifting and health financing is under strain. A healthy world depends on strong connections between sectors and countries. Together, we are writing Africa’s next health chapter. #WHSNairobi2026