WHO African Region

📍 27–29 April 2026 | Nairobi, Kenya Health leaders, policymakers, experts and partners will convene to advance solutions for stronger health systems in Africa. @WHO is proud to co-convene #WHSNairobi2026. See what’s ahead. Explore the 3-day programme: whsnairobi2026.com/programme/

Today, 25 countries across Africa offer malaria vaccines as part of routine childhood immunization. About 10 million children each year are targeted to receive malaria vaccines across the continent. Every child reached with the malaria vaccine brings us closer to a healthier, longer life for all. #VaccinesWork #WorldMalariaDay #WorldImmunizationWeek

🚨 A suspected Viral Hemorrhagic Fever outbreak has been reported in Lotimor, Kapoeta East, with 3 suspected cases recorded. @MoHRSS2011 & Public Health Institute, with @WHO support, with funding from @eu_echo has deployed a high-level team to investigate & contain the situation

🌍 I will be speaking at #WHSNairobi2026. Stronger health systems require sustained partnership and collective action. Looking forward to engaging with leaders and partners on practical solutions for a healthier Kenya and a stronger Africa. Learn more: whsnairobi2026.com

#HepatitisB is a major public health concern in the African Region, affecting many people and potentially leading to serious liver complications if not treated in time. 📢Join us this Saturday, 25 April at 10:00 GMT for a live discussion on hepatitis B with @WHOAFRO's Dr Akudo Ikpeazu.

Africa has made strong commitments to strengthen its health workforce. Now the focus shifts to implementation, turning plans into real investments, jobs and impact. A high-level continental moment is bringing leaders together to accelerate this shift. Learn more: afro.who.int/media-centre/e… #PlanTrainRetain

Honoured to meet with H.E. @PaulKagame today in Kigali. Thank you for a productive discussion on strengthening collaboration to advance #HealthForAll. Rwanda’s progress in primary health care and universal health coverage continues to demonstrate how strong leadership, sustained investment and system strengthening deliver improved health outcomes. @WHO remains committed to supporting these efforts.

Had a good discussion with @YvanButera, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Health, on advancing national health priorities. Great efforts by the government in strengthening health systems. Count on @WHOAFRO’s full support on Rwanda’s path to achieving #HealthForAll.

Sleeping sickness is declining in Cameroon 🇨🇲 but remains under close surveillance. In Campo, strengthened screening, surveillance and early treatment are helping detect cases sooner and support recovery, keeping progress towards elimination on track. ➡️bit.ly/3OjWuTv

Immunization has protected 500M African children since 2000 and saved 1.9M lives in 2024 alone. Yet progress is uneven, with zero-dose children concentrated where systems are weakest. At the opening of the Leap into #Gavi 6.0 Readiness Workshop today in Kigali, I called for greater precision, equity and resilience, targeting zero-dose districts, strengthening primary health care and advancing country ownership to reach every child.

You’ve all heard of biopsy. But what happens after? Biomedical Scientist Yolly takes us inside a lab, where science turns cells into answers. Together for health. #StandWithScience. NOTE: Gloves are required when handling fresh tissue. Once the tissue is fixed and processed, it is no longer infectious and can be handled safely without gloves.

Chad is intensifying efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths. With support from a key donor, women are receiving free caesarean sections, alongside essential supplies, including caesarean kits. @WHO has delivered 18 tonnes of medicines and equipment to 30 health centres and 15 hospitals across three districts, strengthening care where it matters most.

Great exchange today with @nsanzimanasabin, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, in Kigali. Proud of the bold strides on #UHC, local manufacturing, primary health care & emergency preparedness. Ambition, progress & real impact on lives. @WHO stands with you to go further on #HealthForAll.

Zambia is stepping up the fight against #polio 🇿🇲 Today marks the handover of the National #Polio Laboratory, boosting rapid detection and response, alongside the launch of a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect children from the risk of paralysis. A strong commitment to reach every child and halt the spread of the virus. 💉

▪️Training capacity has increased by 70% ▪️Over 255,000 graduates in 2022 Yet many health professionals remain unemployed or underemployed. The challenge is no longer just training. It is planning, financing and retention. The 2nd Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum will bring leaders together to strengthen coordination and advance practical solutions for health workforce challenges. Learn more: afro.who.int/media-centre/e… #PlanTrainRetain

📣 #ICPPA2026 Call for Abstracts closes soon. Share your expertise and help advance the #PENPlus strategy. Your insights are vital to strengthening care for people living with severe NCDs. 🗓 Deadline: Thursday, 30 April 2026 📝Submit now 👉🏾bit.ly/4vjZ3W3 #EndingDiseaseinAfrica

Children with hearing loss can fully learn and participate with the right support. bit.ly/4sNgGeH Here’s how teachers can better support participation in the classroom 👇🏾