Ten Africa countries sign agreement to strengthens cross-border cooperation for health emergencies

Ministers of Health from 10 African countries have signed a Cross-Border Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen coordination, information-sharing and joint preparedness and response to public health emergencies across borders. The agreement provides a framework for countries to work together before, during and after emergencies, strengthen early detection and response, clarify roles and responsibilities, and support coordinated action along high-risk border areas.

Addis Ababa—Ministers of Health from 10 African countries have signed a Cross-Border Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen coordination, information-sharing and joint preparedness and response to public health emergencies across borders. The agreement provides a framework for countries to work together before, during and after emergencies, strengthen early detection and response, clarify roles and responsibilities, and support coordinated action along high-risk border areas.

Ready when the call comes: Uganda cuts emergency response from weeks to hours

Ready when the call comes: Uganda cuts emergency response from weeks to hours

Kampala - Dr Allan Mugarura had just completed a grueling night shift in the maternity unit at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital when his phone rang late in the evening of 15 May 2026. Uganda had declared an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus.

As a trained member of Uganda’s national Emergency Medical Team (EMT), Dr Mugarura was asked one question: Was he ready to deploy?

He agreed without hesitation, packed his bags and set off through the night for Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.

Nigeria advances early childhood development through primary health care

A child being measured at a heart care facility

Abuja – Every month at the Primary Health Care Centre in Ugbor, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, in southern Nigeria, mothers gather with their babies for routine immunization and growth monitoring services. Among them is Mrs Shegu Ritawaits who arrived one morning with her eight-month-old child expecting a routine clinic visit.

New equipment strengthens the capacity of Guinea-Bissau’s National Ophthalmology Service

pose for a group photograph outside the Ophthalmology Service at Simão Mendes National Hospital in Bissau.

Bissau—The initiative expands the resources available for eye examinations, diagnosis and treatment at Simão Mendes National Hospital.

The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over materials and equipment to the National Ophthalmology Service, based at Simão Mendes National Hospital in Bissau.

The equipment, valued at a total of US$151,863, was procured under the National Health System Strengthening Project, funded by the African Development Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.

Guinea-Bissau advances the validation of the National HIV Treatment Protocols

Guinea-Bissau advances the validation of the National HIV Treatment Protocols

Bissau—The update aims to harmonize care practices, promote equitable access to treatment, and improve the care provided to people living with HIV.

The Ministry of Public Health of Guinea-Bissau, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is conducting the validation of the National HIV Treatment Protocols on 26 and 27 August.

The activity brings together health professionals, experts, and sector partners to review the technical content and reach a consensus before final approval.

Updated guidance to improve care

Health ministers adopt framework to safeguard Africa's polio gains

Health ministers adopt framework to safeguard Africa's polio gains
African ministers of health and high-level representatives today adopted a 10-year plan to sustain polio eradication efforts by strengthening national health systems and reaffirmed commitment to protect decades of investment towards a polio-free continent.