Feature Stories

Brazzaville —To strengthen health systems and help protect people from economic strain when seeking care, the World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region and the African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC) are deepening collaboration to improve how countries measure health spending and monitor financial protection.  

By enhancing health data quality, this partnership is helping governments make informed decisions to ensure resources are used where they matter the most, advancing towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Harare – Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancers by integrating cancer and chronic disease services into primary health care. This approach aims to bring essential health services closer to communities and ensure women have equitable access to quality care.

Bulape — Ebola virus disease is a serious illness. When detected late, it claims many lives, even with recent advances in vaccines and therapeutics. Although the disease has become more manageable with improved care and as response capacities, it still takes a heavy toll on families and communities.

Dakar ‒ Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers on the African continent. Studies report high incidence and mortality rates among African men compared to men of other origins. This is explained by a combination of biological, genetic and social factors.

Bujumbura – Since late July 2024, Burundi has been actively responding to a mpox outbreak that had affected nearly 5000 people by mid-October 2025. Young adults aged 20 to 30 years are the most impacted, followed by children under five, across 46 of the country’s 49 health districts. The most affected areas are in Bujumbura city, particularly the neighborhoods of Kamenge and Kinama, where response efforts have been intensified.

Brazzaville – The cholera outbreak is significantly declining in Congo. No confirmed cases were reported between 15 and 16 October 2025. This progress is the result of strengthened response efforts led by the Ministry of Health and Population, with support from partners including World Health Organization (WHO).

Bulape ‒ Fifty-four-year-old Jacob Mukaba, who lost his wife recently to Ebola, is observing a 40-day mourning period during which he must not leave his home. This practice among the Kete community in Bulape, a locality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai Province and the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak—is working to the advantage of disease surveillance teams.

Kampala ‒ In an effort to protect populations often left behind in public health campaigns, Uganda is carrying out a community-focused drive to ensure extensive mpox vaccination coverage beyond the traditional health or public service facilities.