Kampala- Uganda, Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation, is racing to keep its health system responsive as needs rise and resources shrink. With more than 1.92 million refugees living across settlements in the north, southwest, and in Kampala, the country continues to pursue an ambitious goal: delivering equitable, culturally sensitive healthcare to both refugees and host communities under the banner of Universal Health Coverage.

Praia—Under the theme “Vaccinating is protecting—together we build a healthier future for Cabo Verde”, the Ministry of Health launched the introduction of three new vaccines on 22 January 2026. The vaccines—against Rotavirus, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV-13 and the hexavalent vaccine—were introduced into the national immunization schedule on 2 February 2026. This marks another historic step in ensuring that no child is left behind.  

Maseru—For many Basotho living with epilepsy, daily life is shaped not only by seizures but also by the silence and stigma that often surround the condition. Children are kept out of school, adults are denied opportunities and families carry a quiet burden of fear and misunderstanding. 

As Lesotho joined the global community in commemorating World Epilepsy Day, this reality was brought into sharp focus, alongside a renewed call for action to ensure dignity, inclusion and hope for all.

Ezulwini—Eswatini has assumed the chair of the East, Southern and Central Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) conference following the 76th Health Ministers Conference held in Ezulwini from 30th January to 5th February 2026. The conference brought together regional and international delegates to deliberate on priority health challenges and regional cooperation.

In a major milestone for Botswana’s digital health and emergency preparedness agenda, the World Health Organization (WHO) Botswana Country Office officially handed over two WHO‑supported E‑learning Hubs to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in February 2026, marking a significant achievement for the first quarter of the year. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Gaborone and underscored the strong and enduring partnership between WHO and the Government of Botswana.

Praia, Cabo Verde — The World Health Organization (WHO) actively participated in the First National Health Conference, held from 2 to 5 February 2026 on Sal Island, contributing to strategic discussions on the priorities and challenges facing Cabo Verde’s health system.

Dar es Salaam – Tanzania is committed to reducing cancer-related deaths by at least 30% and positioning itself as a vital centre for cancer research and treatment.

Praia, Cabo Verde — The draft National Health Policy (NHP) 2025–2035 was highlighted during a dedicated workshop at the First National Health Conference, marking a key milestone in shaping the future of the country’s health system.

As Uganda continues to grapple with recurrent public health emergencies driven by epidemic-prone diseases and climate-related disasters, a new wave of strengthened district-level preparedness is emerging, thanks to sustained technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Port Louis—WHO Representative, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, joins the Health Minister, Honorable Anil Kumar Bacchoo in the sensitization march on 3 February 2025 to commemorate World Cancer Day. The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Honourable Anishta Babooram, Junior Minister of Finance, Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Honourable Dr Babita Thannoo, Member of Parliament, students from the University of Mauritius and SSR medical college, and other distinguished guests join the walk to show their commitment and support in the fight of cancer.