On April 7th, WHO Zambia hosted a significant advocacy meeting at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel to commemorate World Health Day. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes the importance of maternal and newborn health and highlights the need for more investments in quality healthcare services to ensure a healthy start for mothers and their babies.

The event brought together policy makers, health care providers, advocates, and civil society organizations to discuss initiatives to improve maternal and newborn outcomes in Zambia. 

The agony experienced by mothers during childbirth evokes sorrowful memories for Mrs. Atto Christine Lino, a midwife in South Sudan.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO), with financial support from the Global Fund, has handed vital medical supplies and two brand-new Toyota minibuses to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Sierra Leone worth USD 432,000 to strengthen the country's health system's capacity. This donation forms part of the WHO's World Health Days celebrations that will run year long. 

Emergency preparedness and response are critical for global health security in an era of increasing public health threats. From pandemics to natural disasters, African nations face complex health emergencies requiring swift and coordinated responses. Recognizing the urgency of strengthening health security, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, and Dr. Abdou Salam, WHO Regional Emergency Director, conducted a high-level mission to Ethiopia from March 13 to 14, 2025.

Sierra Leone – March 2025 – In a concerted effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B (Triple Elimination), Sierra Leone strengthened its healthcare workforce through targeted training of frontline health workers in Makeni and Bo. Held from March 10th to 14th, 2025, the training equipped healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver integrated EMTCT (Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission) services within maternal and child health (MCH) platforms.

Apac, Uganda – Today, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and alliance partners, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH and CHAI rolled out a malaria vaccination campaign in Apac District, northern Uganda. This makes Uganda the 19th country in Africa to introduce the malaria vaccine into routine immunisation and it is the largest vaccine rollout to date in terms of target districts and population. 

Today marks a pivotal moment in Uganda's battle against malaria, offering hope to families across the country irrespective of where they live. The official rollout of the R21 matrix M malaria vaccine signals a major leap in protecting children from one of Africa's deadliest diseases. By integrating the vaccine into Uganda’s routine immunization program, this achievement lays the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the presentation of diplomatic credentials by Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, the newly appointed WHO Representative in Angola. Dr. Hazarika brings a wealth of experience in global health, strategic planning, and health system transformation, having previously held various positions at WHO and other international health organizations.

The health of women, children, and adolescents is a cornerstone of Angola’s national priorities, enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola. In a significant move to bolster this commitment, the Angolan government, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has updated and validated the Integrated Strategic Plan for Sexual Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent, and Nutrition Health (SRMNIA-N).