A Century of Advancing Public Health: WHO Ethiopia Congratulates the Ethiopian Public Health Institute on Its 100th Anniversary
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 16 July 2026 — The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia congratulates the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) on its 100th anniversary and the convening of the Fifth Public Health Scientific Congress, recognizing a century of outstanding contributions to protecting and improving the health of the Ethiopian people.
South Sudan’s fight against the triple threat: Advancing action on HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B
Juba - Mrs. Jeba (a pseudonym used to protect her identity), a 24-year-old resident of Gudele suburb in Juba and a first-time mother, received an unexpected diagnosis during her pregnancy. During a routine antenatal care visit, she tested positive for hepatitis B but negative for HIV and syphilis. Despite the diagnosis, her child was successfully protected from all three infections, bringing immense joy to her family.
South Sudan receives emergency medical supplies to strengthen cholera response
Juba- In response to the emerging needs for the sustained Cholera outbreak in South Sudan, WHO has received 19 metric tons of emergency supplies to replenish the fast-depleting stockpile of medical countermeasures needed in the response. These medical supplies enhance operational readiness and surge capacity. The shipment includes cholera response kits to support early detection and treatment, Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits, as well as tents to expand temporary isolation capacity.
Namibia's World Population Day commemoration placed young people's health, agency and aspirations at the centre of national development.
"Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are shaping Namibia today," Hon. Amb. Dr Kaire Mbuende, Director General of the National Planning Commission
WHO joins Uganda to celebrate 90 years of the Uganda Virus Research Institute
The World Health Organization joined the Government of Uganda and partners in celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), one of Africa's most respected institutions for infectious disease research, surveillance and outbreak response.
United against polio: Zimbabwe strengthens regional immunity through synchronized vaccination
Harare, Zimbabwe – July 2026 – Zimbabwe has successfully completed three rounds of synchronized vaccination campaigns using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) as part of a coordinated Southern African response to prevent the re-establishment of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).
Mozambique launches Action Plan for Child Survival and reaffirms its commitment to reduce child mortality
Maputo – The Government of Mozambique, through the Ministry of Health, launched the Action Plan for Child Survival 2026–2030, launched on Monday 20 July 2026, in Maputo Province, a strategic instrument aimed at accelerating the reduction of child mortality and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive, grow and develop to their full potential.
Women football stars team up to kick polio out of Africa
Brazzaville, 22 July 2026 - Just days before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off, African women footballers are calling on leaders across the continent to renew their political commitment, sustain investment and take collective action to protect every child from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Communicating to protect
By: Olívio Gambo, WHO Angola Communication Officer
In a world increasingly affected by outbreaks, epidemics, extreme weather events, and other public health challenges, the question is no longer whether new crises will arise, but rather how well prepared we will be to tackle them. Preparedness for crises does not depend solely on hospitals, medicines, or the availability of healthcare professionals; it also depends on something less visible, yet equally crucial: the trust of communities.