Dar es Salaam - Tanzania has confirmed its first two cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), following a laboratory report conducted on March 9th in Dar es Salaam. This marks the first time the disease has been reported in the country.

The government, with the support of the World Health Organization(WHO) and partners, has been reinforcing emergency preparedness with a focus on strengthening capacity to detect, confirm and respond to public health emergencies in recent times. 

Juba - Chief Amet Mabior Yel, a 72-year-old traditional leader in Madhol Payam, Awiel East County, could not hold back his excitement. Dressed in his traditional chieftaincy attire and singing at the top of his voice while performing his favorite traditional dance, Yel was witnessing a historic moment in his lifetime —the grand opening of Madhol hospital - located just meters away from his house.

Sindrella Anna Ayo, a 35-year-old driver at the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda Country office, has become a beacon of inspiration in a profession traditionally dominated by men. She has successfully carved out a space for herself, challenging stereotypes and proving that women can excel behind the wheel. Her journey is one of determination, resilience and breaking barriers.

A social worker and nurse by training, Sindrella was born and raised in Lira district, northern Uganda. She is the fifth born in a family of four girls and two boys. 

Maiduguri - Fatima Ibrahim* was just a child when her world was torn apart. At age 10, she was abducted during a violent raid on her village in Bama, Borno State. What followed was a decade of unimaginable hardship and suffering.

Now 20 and a mother of one, Fatima is taking the first steps toward reclaiming her life. 

A decade of darkness

State House, Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 7, 2025 – President Julius Maada Bio received a delegation led by the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, comprising representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Chief Medical Officer, and the Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency to announce and discuss implementation of activities of the $20 million from the Pandemic Fund.

Today marks 35 days of response since Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease, from the same family as Ebola virus disease on 30 January 2025. To strengthen coordination and resource mobilization efforts, the Ministry of Health (MoH), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), organized a strategic partners’ meeting.

With the generous support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), WHO Zambia has handed over critical cholera commodities valued at US$70,000 to the Ministry of Health to support Zambia’s ongoing fight against cholera. The ceremony, held at the Zambia Institute of Public Health (ZNPHI), was officiated by the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr Elijah Muchima.

Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has received Letters of Credence from Dr. Clement Peter Lasuba, the newly appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Zambia. This marked the official commencement of Dr. Lasuba’s tour of duty in Zambia and highlighted the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the WHO and the Republic of Zambia.  

Biharamulo, Kagera – The Tanzanian Ministry of Health, with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and UNICEF, equipped over 600 community health workers (CHW) with hands-on skills to enhance local capacities in addressing the ongoing Marburg response efforts.

Bujumbura – Since the beginning of 2025, Burundi has recorded fewer mpox cases, with an average of 70 new cases per week during the first nine weeks of the year, as efforts continue to end the outbreak.

In the week ending on 26 February, 21 new cases were confirmed. A reduction of nearly 95% compared with the peak observed in the week of 21 – 27 October 2024 when 222 new cases were reported. Currently 15 of the 49 health districts out are reporting active transmission of the virus, down from 34 in September 2024.