WHO African Region

The 2026 West and Central Africa Mental Health Intercountry Learning Meeting will take place from 15–17 July 2026 in Lomé, Togo. The meeting will bring together stakeholders across the subregion to strengthen collaboration, share experiences and accelerate progress towards the 2030 mental health targets. Be part of the conversation! #MentalHealthMatters

Cross-border coordination of health emergency responses in Africa remains uneven, slowing action even as national preparedness improves. At a two-day consultative meeting in #Brazzaville, @WHOAFRO, together with @AfricaCDC, @WorldBankGroup and @ECSA_HC, has convened senior officials from 13 East, Southern and Central African countries and partners to strengthen health security, enhance real-time data sharing, and align disease surveillance and response systems for faster, more coordinated action against infectious disease threats.

💬 “Implementation should be the next stage.” Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO), delivered a clear message: advancing health sovereignty requires moving from dialogue to implementation. He emphasized that sovereignty demands greater ownership, mutual accountability, and collaboration on equal footing with global partners. As the conversations continue at #WHS2026 in Berlin, the focus is on turning momentum into action and lasting impact. #WHSNairobi2026

Beyond commitments, the 2nd Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum will focus on practical solutions: • How to better plan the workforce • How to align education with jobs • How to retain health workers where they are needed most Follow live updates and key announcements: afro.who.int/media-centre/e… #PlanTrainRetain #InvestInHealthWorke

Tanzania is ready for Round 2 🇹🇿 After reaching and vaccinating over 8 million children in Round 1, we continue with one mission: protect every child from polio. 📅 7–10 May 🎯 6.7 million children under 10 #EndPolio #VaccinesWork

.@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.

No matter where you live, your health matters. WHO will keep working with countries and partners to promote, provide, and protect the health and well-being of every person, everywhere. 🔗 See our plan: bit.ly/3OVTE7e #StandWithScience

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.

Only 11 African countries have included mental health services in their disaster plans, leaving millions without support during emergencies. @WHOAFRO urges urgent action to close this gap and ensure mental well-being is protected before, during and after crises. #MentalHealthMatters

Symptoms of endometriosis vary, and may include: ♀️ painful periods ♀️ chronic pelvic pain ♀️ heavy menstrual bleeding ♀️ pain during and/or after sex ♀️ painful bowel movements ♀️ painful urination ♀️ fatigue ♀️ abdominal bloating and nausea 📖 bit.ly/3m9fcKJ

If you're worried that someone is at risk of suicide, here’s how you can help: 💙 Talk to them about how they are feeling 💙 Encourage them to seek help⁣ 💙 Check in with them regularly⁣ 💙 If they are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services and do not leave them alone #StartTheConversation #SuicidePrevention

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and/or infertility. It affects an estimated 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide. Learn more about #endometriosis: bit.ly/3m9fcKJ

A defining moment for Africa’s health workforce is approaching. From 6–8 May 2026, leaders from across the continent will gather in Accra to move from commitments to concrete action on one of Africa’s most urgent challenges. What decisions will shape the next decade? What investments will be made? What will change? Stay with us as we build towards the Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum. Learn more: afro.who.int/media-centre/e…

We all have the right to good quality #MentalHealth care. ✅ The right to treatment that respects our dignity. ✅ The right to have a say in our treatment and care. Know your mental health rights: bit.ly/3PSvaIq

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.

In 5 days, leaders will take stock of what has changed since the adoption of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter in 2024. What progress has been made? What gaps remain? What needs to accelerate? Follow the conversation as Africa reflects and sets the next phase of action. Learn more: afro.who.int/media-centre/e… #PlanTrainRetain #InvestInHealthWorkers

The upcoming State of the Health Workforce in Africa 2026 report will provide new insights into the realities shaping Africa’s health workforce, including the complex challenge of shortages alongside unemployment. Learn more: afro.who.int/media-centre/e… #PlanTrainRetain #InvestInHealthWorkers