South Africa News

By Shenaaz El-Halabi, World Health Organization Representative South Africa and Christine Muhigana, Representative, UNICEF South Africa

Pretoria - Breastfeeding is crucial as it is a baby's first vaccine, providing essential protection from diseases and supporting brain development. There is clear and compelling evidence that a decreased or lack of breastfeeding can seriously contribute to poor health, growth and development as well as the survival of infants, children and mothers.

Pretoria - In the heart of Pretoria, at FF Ribeiro Clinic, two women, one a hopeful new mother, the other a dedicated midwife cross paths on a journey that reflects the strength, compassion, and challenges of maternal health care in South Africa.

Johannesburg – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, in partnership with Member States and key stakeholders, has concluded a landmark week of working sessions in Johannesburg aimed at transforming Africa’s health workforce landscape. Held from 7 to 12 July 2025, the sessions focused on strengthening workforce data systems to track health labour market, operationalizing the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, and shaping the next regional plan for health workforce development.

Pretoria, South Africa/ Geneva, Switzerland Member States at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly have adopted a resolution to designate 17 November as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. Brought forward by South Africa and Nigeria, and co-sponsored by over 60 countries from across WHO regions, the resolution affirms growing international commitment to eliminating one of the most preventable cancers affecting women.

Pretoria - World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDoH), hosted a high-level five-day consultative workshop from 26–30 May 2025 in Pretoria. The workshop marked a critical milestone in South Africa’s journey to eliminate malaria by 2028. Focused on Microstratification and Foci Implementation Review, the meeting brought together provincial health officials, technical experts, and operational partners to refine and align data-driven malaria strategies with WHO recommendations.

Pretoria – Each year, more than 8 million people worldwide lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases including over 1 million due to second-hand smoke. These are not just numbers; they are parents, siblings, children, and friends.

Pretoria – On the occasion of Africa Vaccination Week 2025, we join the continent and the global community in reaffirming our shared commitment to the power and promise of immunisation. This year’s theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” and the slogan “Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities” remind us that universal immunisation is not only a moral imperative, but a practical goal within reach.