Feature Stories

Cervical cancer remains one of the major public health challenges in Africa, even though it is almost entirely preventable.

On Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, celebrated on 17 November, we spoke with Dr Issimouha Dillé, Adviser on Cancer Control at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, to understand why this disease persists and how we can work together to eliminate it.

Nouakchott — In Mauritania, Rift Valley fever (RVF) continues to demonstrate its danger. Between 27 September and 30 October 2025, 46 human cases were confirmed, including 14 deaths, across 13 wilayas (provinces), mainly in border areas. Since August, 62 outbreaks have been detected in animals, with 235 positive cases and 71 deaths, mostly among sheep, cattle and camels.

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.

Yaoundé – At 14, Eugène learned he was HIV-positive. The diagnosis turned his adolescence upside down, marked by doubt, fear, and stigma. “At that age, you don’t understand everything, but you feel different. I was afraid of how others would see me, afraid of the future,” he confides. Now 20, he is a student at the Faculty of Education and advocates for self-acceptance and equitable access to reproductive health services for young people living with HIV.