Abuja, 13 March, 2025 - In a bold effort to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians, the World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with the Nigerian government to launch the National Health Fellows Program (NHFP). This transformative initiative, housed within the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, aims to deploy dedicated health fellows across all 774 local government areas (LGAs) nationwide.

The Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), held a two-day Intra-Action Review (IAR) for the ongoing mpox outbreak response in Uganda. This engagement provided an opportunity to reflect, identify gaps and best practices, and refine strategies to improve the response and minimize morbidity, mortality, and the direct and indirect effects on livelihoods.

Abuja, 13 March, 2025 - On 7 March 2025, the WHO Nigeria offices buzzed with energy as staff joined the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD). The occasion provided a meaningful opportunity to honour the female workforce at WHO Nigeria and reaffirm the organization’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment as essential drivers of health for all. 

In Uganda’s ongoing fight against mpox and Ebola outbreaks, a few names have stood out for their exceptional dedication and resilience. Kemirembe Maria Goretti is one such individual. For 10 years, Maria has been a driving force in Uganda’s public health landscape, committed to empowering communities with the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves against disease outbreaks. As a health worker, she has been at the forefront of numerous public health challenges, building confidence, promoting early detection, and strengthening community engagement.

Maiduguri, 13 March, 2025 - In Jere Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, four-year-old Amina* from Mairi Ward in Buladina settlement has received intermittent immunization since birth. Despite multiple vaccination efforts, she has missed several recommended doses for her age, leaving her vulnerable to poliovirus infection.

“Amina missed some doses because we are often not around when they conduct the vaccination campaigns,” said her mother, Saratu Bulama* (*names changed for privacy).

Dar es Salaam – Tanzania today declared the end of Marburg virus disease outbreak after recording no new cases over 42 days since the death of the last confirmed case on 28 January 2025.

The outbreak, in which two confirmed and eight probable cases were recorded (all deceased), was the second the country has experienced. Both this outbreak, which was declared on 20 January 2025, and the one in 2023 occurred in the north-eastern Kagera region.

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), recently concluded Training of Trainers (TOT) to advance Ethiopia’s Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) through digital innovation.

International Women’s Day is an important occasion for reflecting on the progress made toward gender equality, celebrating the achievements of women, and recognizing the challenges that still remain. This year’s theme, "For All Women and Girls- Rights, Equality, Empowerment," serves as a reminder of both the strides women have made in various sectors and the barriers that persist. As Selelo aptly stated, "This day is not only a celebration of our achievements, but a reminder of the work still ahead of us to ensure true equality for all women and girls."

Gambella, Ethiopia – The World Health Organization (WHO) has intensified its response efforts to combat a cholera outbreak in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, which has infected more than 1,200 people. The outbreak, first detected in Akobo Woreda on February 11, has since spread to eight woredas and four refugee camps.