Abuja – When Dr Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency and a representative of the chief executive officers (CEOs) of the participating state social health insurance agencies (SSHIAs), arrived for the WHO health financing training 19–22 May 2026 in Abuja, he saw a room filled with colleagues who shared a common task: helping more people get quality health care without facing financial hardship.

For many of the participants, it was their first-ever formal training in health financing.

Benue, When Dooshima, who lives in the Daudu Internally Displaced Persons camp in Benue State, joined a community dialogue on preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, she heard something new.

“For the first time, I understood that this should not be accepted, and that there are safe ways to report and get help,” she said. “Now I know my rights and how to support others.”

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia, the Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, United Nations agencies, development partners, health professionals, and community representatives, commemorated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 under the global theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works."

Lusaka, 7 August 2026 — The Government of the Republic of Zambia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, formalising the handover of an office building for WHO's use and fulfilling a long-standing commitment enshrined in the basic agreement signed between the two parties in 1964. The agreement commits the Government to provide suitable office accommodation for WHO's operations in the country.

Bissau—Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo presented, this Friday, 7 August 2026, his Letters of Credence to Her Excellency Fatoumata Jau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. With this protocolary act, Dr. Walter officially takes up the post of Chief of Mission and Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the country.

A completed transition

Abuja, When a vaccination team arrived in her community in northern Nigeria, Amina Bindawa hesitated. She had heard different stories about vaccines and was unsure what to believe. It was the intervention of a trusted community leader and a health worker who spoke calmly with her that changed her mind.

“I only agreed after they explained why the vaccine was important for my child,” she said. “Now I encourage other mothers to listen and ask questions.”

Asmara, Eritrea – Eritrea has made significant progress in improving the health of its population over recent decades, driven by strong national leadership, investments in primary health care and a commitment to self-reliance. In this interview, Dr Mary Stephen, WHO Representative in Eritrea, shares her perspectives on the country's health achievements, national capacity and WHO's partnership with Eritrea.

Q: Eritrea has made significant progress in health over the past decades. What do you see as some of the country's key achievements?

Bissau—The World Health Organization (WHO) took part, on August 5th, in the official launch of the TEI-PHI Project in Guinea-Bissau, an initiative funded by the European Union aimed at strengthening national public health. The event was attended by the Minister of Public Health, Commodore Quinhim Nantote, the Representative of the European Union in Guinea-Bissau, the Director-General of the National Institute of Public Health (INASA), representatives of United Nations agencies, and technical and financial partners.

Kampala, Uganda - The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and the Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya, visited Uganda as part of a high-level joint mission to advance regional health security and promote resilient health systems across Africa. The mission included engagements with the Vice President, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Minister of Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi and other senior government officials. 

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