WHO supports Mauritius in advancing climate-resilient health systems: new milestone reached with validation of gap analysis and institutional framework

WHO supports Mauritius in advancing climate-resilient health systems: new milestone reached with validation of gap analysis and institutional framework
Mauritius achieves a strategic milestone in its journey to building a climate-resilient health system through validation of the Gap Analysis Report, the draft Institutional Framework, and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the establishment of a Climate and Health Technical Unit (CHTU). This marks an important step towards strengthening the country’s Preparedness and Readiness for health systems resilience to Climate Change – a reality under the project “Building Health Systems Resilience to Climate Change,” funded by the Green Climate Fund and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Multisectoral stakeholders comprising senior officials, technical experts, and stakeholders from across government, academia, and civil society participated in this important analysis to action, and from vulnerability to resilience process. “The cost of inaction is measured in lives lost, services disrupted, and development gains reversed. But the benefits of action are immense: health systems that withstand storms, communities that stay healthy, and a nation that thrives despite climate shocks “This is our moment to act,” said Dr Anne Ancia, WHO Representative in Mauritius in her opening remarks. She added, “What you will do today will define the future and resilience of the country.”

Strengthening national capacity to implement National Health Accounts in Angola

Finanças de saúde

Sustainable health financing is crucial to achieving key goals such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For countries to make consistent progress in implementing this agenda, it is essential to understand clearly and systematically how resources flow within the health system. In Angola, this process is conducted through the National Health Accounts (NHA), which follow the internationally recognized System of Health Accounts framework.

WHO reinforces Zero Tolerance Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (PRSEAH) in Rodrigues

WHO reinforces Zero Tolerance Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (PRSEAH) in Rodrigues
The World Health Organization (WHO) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and dignified working environment for all including staff, internal and external stakeholders and partners. In line with the global PRSEAH strategy, the WHO Mauritius technical team led by the WHO Representative, Dr Anne Ancia and the PRSEAH Focal Person, Mrs. Doorgawatee Ram-Gopal, sensitised some 60 senior officials including health workers and other frontliners from the Commission for Health and the other Commissions and NGOs on the importance of WHO PRSEAH policy implementation in the Republic of Mauritius including outer island Rodrigues. The sensitisation took place from 1–2 October 2025 through interactive sessions and sharing of experiences. The participants were sensitized on the key principles and concepts of the PRSEAH policy which promotes a culture of prevention, accountability, and zero tolerance for sexual misconduct across all WHO-supported activities—ensuring that no one is left behind. This continued collaboration between WHO and the Government of Mauritius, including high-level discussions with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirms the shared responsibility of all on PRSEAH. Safeguarding is a collective responsibility – highlighted both the Commissioner for Health, Mr. Nicolas Volbert, and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Child Development at the opening of the training. ‘Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse should be our Top Priority’, also echoed Mr.Nicolas Volbert to the high officials at the opening of the Session on 01 October, 2025. Together, we are building a safer, more inclusive environment for all.

WHO Africa advances health professions education with prototype competency-based curricula

WHO Africa Advances Health Professions Education with Prototype Competency-Based Curricula

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.

Namibia Hosts First Cancer Genomics Conference

Cancer genomics conference

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).

 

Zambia steps up Ebola preparedness following DRC outbreak

Zambia steps up Ebola preparedness following DRC outbreak

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.