Publications
UCN documents
Responding to communicable and noncommunicable diseases: 2025 report
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the major achievements and activities of the Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control(DPC) Cluster in a difficult year.
Managing public health programmes in Africa: guidance for new leaders
This guide to managing public health programmes in Africa is timely. It comes when the region is not only re-organizing, but re-thinking how to ensure that we reach the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals in an increasingly fragmented and difficult context. But with threats come opportunities, and as the region changes focus to face this new world, this guide will equip new leaders in public health with the tools they require to make their mark on health development and security regionally and at country level.
Leishmaniasis: 20 years of progress towards elimination in the WHO African Region
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that predominantly affects impoverished populations. It remains a
significant health issue in four eco-epidemiological regions: the Americas, East Africa, North Africa, and West Asia and
Southeast Asia.
Responding to communicable and noncommunicable diseases: Progress report 2024
This is the third progress report produced by the UCN Cluster of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.
Precision public health strategy, 2024–2030
In 2023, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa adopted a new strategy for Ending Disease in Africa (ENDISA) 2023-2030.
Understanding the PEN-Plus approach to care: expanding access to care for severe noncommunicable diseases in the WHO African Region
PEN-Plus contributes to reducing premature mortality from severe NCDs by providing integrated care and services among Africa's poorest children and young adults.
Rheumatic heart disease and rheumatic fever programmes in the WHO African Region: review of reviews
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a significant cause of heart failure globally, with over 40.5 million people affected worldwide in 2019. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 23% of RHD cases worldwide, with an estimated prevalence rate of 10.31 cases per 1000 people.
The Global Diabetes Compact : What you need to know
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Saving lives - sustaining transformative public health initiatives in Africa: legacy elements of the work of the Regional Director
This document provides an overview of five ‘legacy elements’ that have served the countries of the African Region over the past decade as they responded to an increasingly complex and challenging health landscape.
Meeting of HIV and hepatitis programme managers : Closing GAPS in HIV and Hepatitis programmes and integrating NCDs and Mental Health services 28 October - 01 November 2024
The African Region accounts for a disproportionately high burden of the HIV epidemic compared to the rest of the world. In 2023, an estimated 25.9 million people were living with HIV in the Region, of which 90% knew their status, 82% were receiving treatment and 76% had suppressed viral load.
