Maiduguri, To strengthen health infrastructure in conflict-affected areas of Borno State, the Government of Borno, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with funding support from the European Union (EU), has launched the expansion of Monguno Specialist Hospital.

Juba, 14 May – Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, arrived in South Sudan for an official one-day-visit to meet key stakeholders in an effort to ramp up support for health assistance amid the ongoing emergencies.

Dr Ihekweazu met with the Acting Minister of Health, Honorable James Hoth Mai, humanitarian partners represented by Marie Helene Verney, Acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator, as well as Timo Olkkonen, European Union Ambassador to South Sudan.

This week, Botswana joins the rest of the world in launching the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week under the theme “Streets for Life: #MakingWalkingAndCyclingSafe.”

With Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) now responsible for nearly half of all deaths in Ghana, efforts to prevent and reduce the growing health and economic burden have never been more urgent. From unhealthy food environments and aggressive marketing to limited access to infrastructure for physical activity, the drivers of poor health outcomes are often systemic — requiring strong laws, strategic fiscal policies, and sustained cross-sectoral collaboration. 

Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest health threats of the 21st century. Climate risks are increasing, and Ghana is no exception. From deadly heatwaves, erratic rainfall, flooding to rising cases of climate-sensitive diseases, the climate crisis will exert additional pressures on the country’s health and social care systems.

By: Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola.

This week marks the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, a time to reflect on a simple truth: the most basic and sustainable forms of transportation, walking and cycling, should never pose a threat to life. Yet every day, 3,200 people die on the world’s roads, almost one in four of whom are pedestrians or cyclists.

Although World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is commemorated globally on 24 March, WHO Botswana extended the conversation into May with a staff awareness session aimed at reinforcing key messages around TB prevention and control. During the session, Boingotlo Ramontshonyana delivered a compelling address, urging colleagues to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing one of the country’s enduring public health challenges.

The World Health Organization joined the Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD), reinforcing the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety within healthcare settings.

This year’s theme “It may be gloves, it is always hand hygiene” highlights the ongoing need for proper hand hygiene practices—even when gloves are used. 

Botswana commemorated African Vaccination Week (AVW) from 24th to 30th April 2025 under the regional theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.” The weeklong campaign aimed to promote equitable access to immunization and integrate other high-impact child health interventions. In Tsabong District, the AVW activities served not only as an opportunity to provide health services but also to reach some of the district’s most remote and underserved populations.

Freetown - Sierra Leone has taken a major stride toward transforming the nation’s hospital services with the final validation of its first-ever National Hospital Strategy for Services Delivery Transformation. The comprehensive framework—validated today in Freetown—signals a decisive shift toward building a resilient, equitable, and patient-centered hospital system that meets the growing health needs of its people.