Brazzaville/Oslo - New funding to the AdVAncIng Clinical TRials Excellence in Africa (AVAREF) could help accelerate the development of life-saving vaccines to contain infectious disease outbreaks on the continent.

Kintele, Republic of Congo – The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO) has convened experts to validate the Prototype Competency-Based Curricula for 10 health occupations in Africa. This landmark initiative is part of WHO’s broader Africa health workforce agenda and will lay the foundation for strengthening quality and harmonising health workers’ education across Africa, ensuring they are better prepared to respond to evolving health needs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) actively participated in the first International Cancer Genomics Conference, held under the theme “Harnessing Functional Genomics in Cancer Research: Opportunities for Diagnosis and Treatment.” The conference took place from 24–26 September 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia, hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and endorsed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Abuja – Nigeria is rolling out one of the largest integrated vaccination campaigns in its history, aiming to protect around 106 million children against measles, rubella and poliomyelitis. The nationwide initiative will combine multiple vaccines and child health services in a single drive, ensuring efficient delivery to children across the country.

In the lush fields of Chipangali, in Eastern Province, farmers who once depended on tobacco for their livelihoods are now exploring healthier, more sustainable alternatives, thanks to a bold initiative led by the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme, in partnership with Zambia’s Ministries of Health and Agriculture.

Following the recent Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia intensified preparedness and surveillance in communities along the shared border. The outbreak, declared on 4 September 2025, was centered in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province which borders Northwestern province of Zambia. 

In recent years, negative press and misinformation around vaccines have threatened public confidence, slowed uptake, and left many vulnerable to preventable diseases. With Ghana set to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization programme in October 2025, health authorities are prioritising accurate, responsible reporting to ensure that no eligible girl is left behind.

Freetown, 1 October 2025 – Health workers across Sierra Leone will now be better equipped to detect, monitor, and respond to health threats thanks to a major donation from the World Health Organization (WHO). Supplies and equipment worth USD 456,483.20 were handed over to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to strengthen disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance tracking, and emergency preparedness.

Ethiopia has been formally recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for achieving Maturity Level 3 (M