WHO African Region

In 2025, 47 countries across the African Region strengthened action on antimicrobial resistance, advancing national plans, surveillance and prevention. Protecting antibiotics means protecting the future of health care. Read more: bit.ly/4bgJllm

Oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases, yet many people don’t realize the early warning signs. They include conditions like gum disease, oral cancer and tooth decay, all of which can be prevented and treated when caught early. Watch out for these symptoms: 🔸 Bleeding or swollen gums 🔸 Persistent bad breath 🔸 Toothache or sensitivity 🔸 Loose or shifting teeth 🔸 Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing 🔸 White/red patches, ulcers, or sores that don’t heal

Have you heard about #noma❓ Officially recognized as a neglected tropical disease in December 2023, noma is an oral disease affecting children aged 2 to 6 years old in poor communities. Early detection is crucial, as the disease rapidly destroys facial tissues & bones. Survivors often endure severe facial disfigurement, along with difficulties in speaking & eating bit.ly/4siuj5S #OralHealth

To address the oral health crisis in Africa, @WHOAFRO is working with governments to shift focus from treatment to prevention and promotion. WHO’s strategy calls for governments to integrate prevention and management of oral diseases with other noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, since they share common risk factors This #WorldOralHealthDay, call on leaders to take action!

Oral diseases such as 🦷 dental caries (tooth decay) 😬 severe periodontal disease 😢 tooth loss and 🎗️ oral cancer affect our health, speech, learning and social interactions. But most oral diseases are preventable! This #WorldOralHealthDay, protect your smile.

The most common oral diseases are 🦷 tooth decay 👄 gum disease 🦷 tooth loss 👄 oral cancers Untreated tooth decay is the single most common condition globally, affecting over 2.7 billion people bit.ly/4sRmILs

Oral health is an integral part of our overall wellbeing. Yet, millions of people in the African region continue to face preventable pain and infection from oral diseases. Without stronger prevention and early care, this burden will keep growing. Watch @WHOAFRO’s @DrKofiNyarko outline simple, cost‑effective steps for oral health and call for sustained investment to strengthen oral health services 📽️

This #WorldOralHealthDay, protect your smile: 🥗 Eat a balanced diet low in sugar 🚭 Avoid tobacco ❌ Avoid harmful use of alcohol 🪥 Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste Most oral diseases are preventable and treatable. Live a healthy lifestyle and practice good oral hygiene to prevent oral health disease.

No, you are not overreacting. Many women still deal with these health challenges because of medical research that centers around male bodies. Follow today’s daily dose.

Eid Mubarak to @WHOAFRO staff, partners and communities. May this season bring happiness, prosperity and continued good health.

#Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases killing 3500 a day, and is a major driver of poverty, inequality and antimicrobial resistance. At the @UN General Assembly in 2023, world leaders adopted bold new targets to end TB. However, funding cuts make it more difficult to reach those targets. As we approach World TB Day, I call on governments to invest in TB care, accelerate innovation and ensure that TB services are accessible, affordable, stigma‑free and community‑driven. My remarks at the World TB Day Talk Show who.int/news-room/spee…

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy life at every age. 🥗👶🏿👧🏾👩🏾🧓🏿 It supports: 👶🏿Better infant and child health 🤰🏿Improved maternal health 💪🏿Stronger immune systems 🩺Lower risk of #diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions #HealthForAll

Flooding has affected 18 counties across Kenya, displacing more than 12,300 households and leaving thousands of people in urgent need of health services, clean water and safe shelter. My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones in this devastaing disaster. To support response and recovery efforts, @WHO today handed over medical supplies and equipment for cholera prevention and treatment, water treatment and trauma kits. These materials can assist around 5,000 people.

Here are six reasons why you should join us at the World Health Summit in Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪, from 27‒29 April 2026 #WHSNairobi2026 👇🏿

Advancing quality health workforce education in the African region 👩🏿‍⚕️👨🏿‍⚕️❤️‍🩹 @WHOAFRO is convening experts in Johannesburg to validate the Africa Health Professions Education Quality Standards, paving the way for competent, practice-ready graduates and stronger #health systems 👇🏿

To address ongoing reporting of #cholera cases, #Malawi 🇲🇼 rapidly rolled out a mobile outreach oral cholera vaccination campaign in 4 priority districts, with support from @WHO, @gavi and partners. The 5-day campaign surpassed the 95% coverage target bit.ly/4cUcdCG

#SouthSudan 🇸🇸 is making steady progress toward improving cervical cancer outcomes with the implementation of the country’s first-ever structured screening programme. Led by the Ministry of Health and supported by @WHO, with support from a major donor, the initiative focuses on early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions.