Praia – Cabo Verde has been standing out at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional High-Level Consultation on the development of the Regional Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035, taking place from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Represented by a delegate from the Ministry of Health, the country has actively contributed to shaping this important strategic instrument for health in the African Region, bringing forward the specificities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Cabo Verde’s participation has helped highlight challenges such as insularity, dependence on external supply chains, and limited economies of scale, while also showcasing concrete solutions, including telemedicine, digitalization of health systems, and strengthened primary health care with strong community engagement.

The consultation brings together Member States and partners to define regional priorities across four pillars—Universal Health Coverage, Resilience, Modernization, and Ownership & Sovereignty—within a process that will be jointly agreed by countries and submitted for approval at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, scheduled for August 2026. This moment is considered decisive for aligning the continent’s long-term vision with strategies that are implementable, fundable, and results-oriented. In this context, Cabo Verde’s active participation reinforces the importance of ensuring that the realities of island countries are reflected in regional policies, contributing to more equitable, resilient, and sustainable health systems across Africa.

Conakry – On World Health Day 2026, held under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) spotlights individuals across the African Region who use science to improve people’s lives.

A pharmacist and internationally recognized public health researcher, Professor Abdoulaye Touré is a leading figure in epidemic preparedness and response in Guinea. He leads a research centre that has become a cornerstone of the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to health emergencies. Through his work and long-standing commitment, he demonstrates how sustained investment in science can help anticipate crises, save lives and strengthen health systems over the long term.

Which recent scientific advances have most transformed the detection and surveillance of emerging diseases?
Over the past decade, progress has been significant. One of the most important advances has been the development of molecular biology techniques, making diagnostics faster, more accurate and more widely available in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, pathogens can be identified much earlier than before.

The COVID-19 pandemic also played a decisive role by accelerating the establishment of genomic surveillance. This approach analyses the genetic material of viruses, helping to track how diseases evolve, detect new variants and better understand transmission patterns.

Finally, advances in serology—the analysis of blood samples to detect antibodies—have strengthened population-level surveillance. Together, these tools significantly enhance countries’ capacity to anticipate and control epidemics.

How does science guide CERFIG’s approach to epidemic preparedness and response in Guinea?
The Guinea Centre for Research and Training in Infectious Diseases (CERFIG) was established in the context of a major health crisis, namely the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak. From the outset, its mission has been clear: to support Guinea’s health system through the generation and use of reliable scientific evidence.

Science is central to everything we do. Our teams work across several complementary disciplines, including microbiology, public health, anthropology and clinical medicine. This multidisciplinary approach helps us better understand the risks of disease emergence and directly informs prevention and response strategies.

Over the years, CERFIG has conducted studies on a wide range of pathogens, including Ebola, other viral haemorrhagic fevers, diphtheria and mpox. The evidence generated supports health authorities in making informed decisions based on scientific data rather than assumptions.

Why is the One Health approach essential for future health emergencies?
Scientific evidence shows that most emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals. Major diseases such as HIV, Ebola and mpox have zoonotic origins, often linked to environmental changes and human activities.

The One Health approach is based on a simple principle: human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected. It is therefore no longer effective to prevent health emergencies by working in isolation across sectors.

Adopting this approach makes it possible to identify risks earlier, better understand their origins and implement coordinated responses. It provides an essential framework for anticipating health threats and reducing their impact on populations.

What are the main challenges in strengthening collaboration between science and public policy?
One of the key challenges remains the gap between the generation of scientific knowledge and its use in public policy. Too often, research findings are not sufficiently integrated into decision-making processes.

From a One Health perspective, it is also crucial to strengthen the environmental and animal health sectors, which often receive fewer resources than the human health sector. Building the capacity of public institutions to analyse and use scientific data is equally important.

Finally, sustained and structured dialogue between researchers and policymakers is essential to design health policies that are better aligned with realities on the ground.

What message would you like to share with institutions and partners about the importance of investing in science?
Investing in research is an investment in health security and sustainable development. Guinea’s experience provides a clear example: during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the lack of diagnostic capacity delayed the response and worsened both human and economic consequences.

Since then, targeted investments have strengthened systems capable of detecting an epidemic within just a few hours. This speed saves lives, limits disease spread and protects economies.

Initiatives such as the International Research Platform in Global Health (PRISME), established by CERFIG and its partners, demonstrate that sustained commitment to science strengthens health system resilience and better prepares countries for future crises.

Adama, Ethiopia, 26 March 2026 — Ethiopia has taken important steps to strengthen patient safety across its health system, as highlighted during a national review meeting of the Global Patient Safety Collaborative held in Adama.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, 24 health facilities implementing the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Framework, partner organizations, professional associations, and patient representatives to assess progress, share lessons learned, and identify priorities for scaling up patient safety interventions nationwide.

Opening the meeting, Dr Abas Hassen, Lead Executive Officer for Health System Improvement and Quality with the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety, transparency, and continuous learning across all levels of care.

In keynote remarks, Dr Markos Feleke, representing the Ethiopian Healthcare Federation, emphasized the country’s growing commitment to building safer and more resilient health systems, noting that the continued engagement of private health facilities remains a critical component of this effort.

Dr Bejoy Nambiar, Coordinator for Strategic Health Policy and Planning at the WHO Country Office in Ethiopia  in his key note address highlighted Ethiopia’s progress under the Global Patient Safety Collaborative.

Dr Bejoy noted key achievements, including the development of national patient safety guidelines and procedures, progress in advancing patient safety regulation, integration of patient safety into pre-service health professional education, and the development of training and e-learning materials.

Additional milestones include the initiation of a national patient safety incident reporting and learning system, the establishment of a national patient safety network, and strengthened advocacy through the annual commemoration of World Patient Safety Day.

Participants reviewed implementation progress of both the Global Patient Safety Collaborative and the Ethiopia Safe Care Align Project, examining achievements, operational challenges, and priority actions for the next phase. Findings from the one-year pilot implementation of the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Framework were presented, providing insights into performance against targets and lessons learned from participating facilities.

The meeting also highlighted key national initiatives supporting safer care delivery. These included the establishment of the National Patient Safety Network, which is facilitating peer learning and capacity building among health facilities, as well as the launch of patient safety and quality improvement e-learning platforms. Findings from the national patient safety culture assessment were also presented.

Health facilities shared practical experiences and frontline interventions, contributing to a collective reflection on improving safety practices. The meeting concluded with recognition of hospitals and technical working groups for their contributions, reaffirming the shared commitment of the Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners to expand patient safety interventions and ensure safer, high-quality care for all people in Ethiopia.

Under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), organized a roundtable discussion to reflect on how science continues to drive progress, resilience, and innovation globally and within São Tomé and Príncipe’s health system.

The event highlighted the central role of WHO’s technical leadership and its long-standing collaboration with the Government in translating global health strategies into concrete national results. Through sustained cooperation, science, research, and evidence-based policies have strengthened health system performance and improved health outcomes for the population.

Speaking on behalf of WHO, the WHO Representative acknowledged the significant advances achieved in recent years, noting that these gains are the result of strong national ownership, supported by WHO technical guidance and capacity-building efforts. Key achievements include strengthened training and capacity development of health professionals; high and sustained immunization coverage contributing to reduced child mortality; enhanced epidemiological surveillance and public health emergency preparedness; decentralization of health services to bring care closer to communities; and notable improvements in diagnostic and laboratory capacity across the country.

The Minister of Health reaffirmed the country’s strong alignment with WHO policies and strategic frameworks, underscoring the importance of science as the foundation of sustainable health development. As stated by the Minister:

“Health is the most precious asset of every human being on our planet,”

highlighting São Tomé and Príncipe’s commitment to the One Health approach and to evidence-based health policies that recognize the interconnection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
This integrated vision, promoted by WHO, reinforces prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, particularly in the face of emerging health threats, climate change, and future pandemics.
Science was further emphasized as a critical pillar for protecting lives and strengthening health security. The WHO Representative commended São Tomé and Príncipe’s progress, noting that:

“The experience of São Tomé and Príncipe demonstrates that even in small island contexts with limited resources, significant results are possible when knowledge, determination, and partnerships come together.”

During the panel discussion, professors, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and members of civil society expressed their desire to be more actively involved in strengthening the health sector—whether by fostering spaces for dialogue or by mobilizing and raising awareness among agents of change—because, as the saying goes, “you have to start small.”
WHO reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with national authorities to consolidate achievements, address remaining gaps, and ensure that scientific innovation benefits all communities, without exception.
 

Context

For more than a decade, Cameroon has been confronted with a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis, driven by armed conflict in the North-West and South-West regions, persistent insecurity in the Far North, significant population displacement, refugee inflows from neighboring countries, and recurrent climate-related shocks. These compounded factors have placed sustained pressure on the health system and increased humanitarian needs.

Within this context, the Health Cluster, activated in 2018 under the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Cluster Approach, has played a central role in ensuring a coordinated, predictable and accountable health response. It has contributed to structuring interventions, facilitating partner engagement, and promoting a response aligned with the needs and priorities of affected populations.

A strategic reorientation of coordination modalities

In line with evolving global humanitarian priorities, including the “Humanitarian Reset” and the “accelerated transition agenda” endorsed by the IASC, Cameroon has been identified as one of the eight pilot countries for the progressive shift towards nationally anchored coordination mechanisms. This strategic reorientation reflects a broader commitment to strengthening localization, enhancing efficiency, and reinforcing national ownership of humanitarian action.

The transition of the Health Cluster is therefore conceived as a structured and gradual process through which leadership and core coordination functions are transferred to national authorities, under the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health (MoH), with continued technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and health sector partners. By 2027, health emergency coordination in Cameroon is expected to be fully assumed by national systems, with WHO maintaining a targeted support role as “Provider of Last Resort (PoLR)”.

A dual objective: continuity and sustainability

This transition is guided by a dual objective. On the one hand, it seeks to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of the humanitarian health response in a context of persistent and evolving needs. On the other hand, it aims to sustainably strengthen national capacities for governance, coordination and leadership in the health sector.

A sequenced and structured transition framework

The transition is articulated around three sequential and interdependent phases. The initial phase, completed in 2025, focused on securing political commitment, ensuring institutional alignment and validating the transition framework. This is followed by a co-leadership phase in 2026, during which coordination responsibilities are jointly assumed by the MoH and WHO. The final phase consists of a progressive transfer of responsibilities, culminating in the stabilization of national coordination mechanisms and the eventual deactivation of the Health Cluster by 2027. A well-structured and phased transition approach is essential to preserving operational continuity while progressively strengthening and institutionalizing national leadership and ownership.

Progressive transfer of core functions

The transition entails the gradual transfer of key Health Cluster functions to national and decentralized systems. These functions encompass coordination, information management, strategic planning, preparedness and response, monitoring and evaluation, as well as accountability to affected populations. 

The process is underpinned by a set of fundamental principles, including national leadership, a gradual and sequenced approach, accountability to affected populations, respect for humanitarian principles, the promotion of localization, and alignment with the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

Institutional strengthening and systems integration

A central pillar of the transition is the strengthening of national systems. Information management mechanisms will progressively be integrated into national platforms, thereby enhancing data harmonization and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Health sector planning will continue to be informed by humanitarian needs assessments while being aligned with national strategies and priorities.

Preparedness and response capacities will be reinforced through the institutionalization of joint assessments and simulation exercises. In parallel, monitoring, evaluation and accountability frameworks will be embedded within national systems, with particular attention to community engagement and accountability to affected populations.

Priority thematic areas

The transition gives particular attention to the integration of critical thematic areas into national systems and programmes. These include sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial support, refugee health, and the surveillance of attacks on healthcare. Technical support will continue to be provided by specialized agencies, including UNFPA, IOM, UNHCR and WHO, to ensure continuity and quality of interventions in these domains.

Contextualized and decentralized coordination approaches

In alignment with the guidance of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), the transition adopts differentiated coordination approaches tailored to specific operational contexts. In the Far North region, the Area-Based Coordination Plus (ABC+) model promotes integrated and multisectoral coordination, fostering synergies between humanitarian and development interventions to strengthen resilience. In the North-West and South-West regions, the Area-Based Coordination (ABC) model supports proximity-based coordination adapted to conflict-affected settings, with enhanced engagement of local actors while ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles and consideration of access constraints. Context-specific coordination modalities are critical to ensuring relevance, effectiveness and accountability in complex humanitarian settings.

Advancing national leadership and ownership

A significant milestone in the transition process has been the formal commitment of the MoH. The Minister has designated a national structure to co-coordinate the health sector during the transition period, identified national institutions to lead technical working groups in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and actively engaged in joint coordination mechanisms with WHO. This commitment has been operationalized through the co-chairing of Health Cluster meetings at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (CCOUSP), marking a decisive step towards the institutionalization of national leadership in health emergency coordination.

In addition, the Minister has expressed its commitment to support the progressive engagement of Regional Delegations of Health and Health Districts, particularly in the North-West, South-West and Far North regions, in line with the transition plan validated by partners. In line with the localization agenda, national non-governmental organizations will also be actively engaged in coordination leadership roles at both national and decentralized levels, contributing to a more inclusive, context-responsive and sustainable coordination architecture.

Opportunities and critical enablers

The transition presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the resilience of the health system, enhance the efficiency and coherence of the response, and promote sustainable national ownership. However, its successful implementation will depend on several critical enablers, including sustained investment in institutional capacity development, effective partnerships between national and international stakeholders, and predictable and adequate financing.

WHO will continue to play a pivotal role as Provider of Last Resort (PoLR), ensuring that essential health services are maintained in areas where gaps persist and needs remain acute.

Conclusion

The transition of the Health Cluster in Cameroon represents a significant and forward-looking transformation of humanitarian coordination. It illustrates how a structured, phased and partnership-driven approach can support the progressive localization of coordination mechanisms while preserving operational effectiveness and ensuring sustained access to essential health services for vulnerable populations.

Port Harcourt – Reliable electricity is more than a convenience. It is a lifeline for primary health care. Clean and dependable energy supports safe, equitable and resilient services.

When the lights failed at the Primary Health Centre in Rumuigbo, Rivers State in southern Nigeria, the room went dark again.
A midwife held a torchlight against her shoulder as she checked a woman in labour. The generator had stopped, and no one knew if there was fuel to restart it. Across Nigeria, an estimated 40–50% of primary health care facilities experience unreliable electricity supply, putting essential services at risk.

These power challenges are common across many low- and middle-income countries, where health facilities often rely on costly and unreliable back-up power.

Community Health Extension Worker Alaba Douglas of Rumuigbo Primary Health Centre remembers those nights.

“You cannot tell a mother in pain to wait because the light is gone,” she said. “That was our reality for years.”
Frequent outages meant vaccines were rushed to neighbouring facilities. Night-time emergencies were delayed. Staff used phone lights to deliver babies. In some centres, power failed every day before the intervention.
Today, in two communities, that reality has changed.

A new source of power and confidence
In early 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and state authorities led the effort to install clean, reliable solar power in two primary health centres in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) through the HealthCREST initiative.

This work aligns with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach, led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, while advancing Nigeria’s National Health Policy and the Primary Health Care Under One Roof reform. It strengthens primary health care infrastructure through sustainable, climate-resilient energy solutions, ensuring improved service delivery, system efficiency and resilience in line with national development priorities.

Each facility was equipped with a 5-kW solar photovoltaic system and 10 kWh lithium-ion battery storage, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical services.

Site selection was based on service load, maternal and immunization burden and vulnerability to power outages, with monitoring conducted over an initial six-month implementation period (January–June 2025). Implementation included on-site support from the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group and District Industrial Concerns.

The impact was immediate.
In Rumuigbo, the cold chain room, once a source of constant concern, now maintains stable temperatures during grid cuts.
“We no longer fear losing vaccines,” said Blessing Nangibo, Local Government Immunization Officer. “Children get their shots on time, and parents keep their appointments.”

A mother who delivered at night shared her experience.

“The lights stayed on throughout my labour,” said Onwumeh Kikachianyi Mavis of Rumuigbo. “I felt safe, and care was steady.”
For women, newborns and rural families, groups often affected by service disruptions, reliable power is enabling safer care.

What the numbers show
Before the solar installation, the two centres recorded multiple service disruptions each month.
Following solarization, service interruptions reduced by over 80%. Early results include:

• 24-hour uninterrupted service for immunization, maternity care and minor emergencies
• Night-time deliveries increased from around 40 per month to more than 50 per month in Rumuigbo
• Generator fuel costs reduced from ₦250 000 ($182) per month to around ₦50 000 ($37)

An estimated 231 kg of carbon dioxide emissions avoided daily, equivalent to over 84 000 kg annually, based on displacement of diesel generator use.

These numbers tell part of the story. The rest comes from the people who rely on these centres every day.
A mother in Rivers State said:

“We used to worry about coming at night. Now services are steady, and staff are ready,” said Egbulefu Ruth Chinyere of Rumuigbo.
A community leader added:“This project shows that government and partners are investing in community health,” said Evangelist Eberechi Johnson, women’s leader.

How WHO helped make this possible
In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, state ministries of health and state primary health care development authorities, WHO supported the solarization of the facilities, ensuring delivery of reliable, clean energy solutions for primary health care.

This included:

• Provision and installation of solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage to power essential health services
• Procurement oversight and quality assurance to ensure compliance with standards
• Training for health workers, including women health workers, on basic operation and maintenance
• Deployment of monitoring tools to track performance and service continuity
• Coordination with state governments, the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group, the Rural Electrification Agency and private renewable energy partners

This support helped address technical capacity gaps in renewable energy deployment at primary health care level, complementing government leadership and providing a model that others can adapt.

“Reliable power is essential for safe delivery, vaccination and emergency care,” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria.

“This pilot shows how clean energy strengthens primary health care.”

Director of Climate Change and Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Zakari Mohammed, said:

“With WHO’s technical support, we now have a model we can scale. Communities are already seeing the benefits.”

This work was made possible with support from  with funding from the FCDO

Overall impact at a glance

• Essential primary health care services now run without interruption
• Vaccine storage is stable, reducing wastage and improving reliability
• Women and newborns receive safer maternity care at night
• Health workers report improved confidence and lower stress
• Communities express increased trust in their health facilities
• Carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs have decreased, supporting Nigeria’s climate resilience agenda

“I now have more confidence in delivery and care,” said Alaba Douglas.

How WHO is scaling impact through national coordination and partnership

Beyond the pilot, WHO has played a catalytic role in advancing energy–health integration at national scale. WHO and the Federal Ministry of Health co-convened Nigeria’s first National Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector (2025), resulting in the signing of a national Energy Compact to accelerate electrification of health facilities.

This momentum enabled Nigeria to secure a US$ 700 000 grant to support solar photovoltaic deployment across health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Nasarawa States.

WHO further supported the integration of health into Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmation and Lafiya Palladium, and is currently supporting the design of a national Health Climate Implementation Strategy.

Climate and health considerations have also been embedded into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund 2.0, strengthening sustainability and resilience at primary health care level.

In addition, WHO co-hosted Nigeria’s first Legislative Roundtable on Climate, Health and Environment with the Senate Committee on Health, the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group and the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage, advancing policy alignment and financing dialogue.

Health, climate and resilience—one agenda

These efforts align with Nigeria’s broader climate and health agenda. The 2024 Climate Health Vulnerability Assessment estimates that up to 21% of Nigeria’s disease burden could be linked to climate change if no action is taken.
Reliable, clean energy in health facilities is therefore not only a service delivery intervention—it is a climate adaptation and health security strategy.

A small pilot with a bigger future
The two centres now operate without relying on generators. Patients report more consistent care. Local leaders are asking when more facilities can benefit.

Yet thousands of primary health centres across Nigeria still face unreliable electricity. Scaling this approach will need funding, technical support and long-term maintenance plans.

As Dr Angbara Roseline, head of facility at Rumuigbo Primary Health Centre, put it: “Our goal is to expand this approach to more states. Every community deserves a health centre that can keep the lights on.”

For Alaba Douglas, the change is already clear.
“We can focus on saving lives now,” she said. “Reliable power helps us provide consistent care.”

Conakry – On World Health Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “United for Health. Supporting Science”, World Health Organization (WHO) highlights individuals across the African Region who are using science to improve people’s lives.

A respected infectious disease researcher, Professor Alpha Kabinet Keita is one of Guinea’s leading scientific voices on emerging diseases. Through his work, he helps strengthen the country’s capacity to anticipate, understand and respond to health threats. For him, science should not remain confined to laboratories; it must inform public decision-making, engage communities and inspire younger generations. In this interview, he shares his vision of science that is useful, credible and deeply rooted in local realities.

What role does science play today in understanding and managing emerging diseases in Guinea?
Science is our first line of defence. It allows us to understand how diseases emerge and spread, and how we can better control them. In Guinea, scientific progress has made it possible to identify the causes of outbreaks more rapidly and adapt public health responses accordingly.

Beyond diagnosis, science guides disease surveillance, treatment options and prevention strategies. It enables us to anticipate risks rather than simply react to crises. Without reliable data and rigorous research, protecting populations effectively from emerging health threats would be impossible.

Which recent advances in infectious disease research do you consider most significant for public health in West Africa?
Several advances have significantly strengthened our response capacity. One of the most important is genetic sequencing, which allows us to track the evolution of viruses almost in real time. This helps us better understand transmission and adapt response measures.

Innovative vaccines, particularly against diseases such as Ebola, represent another breakthrough. They have saved lives and helped build public confidence in prevention. Finally, digital tools are playing an increasingly important role by improving data collection, disease surveillance and response coordination. Together, these advances are contributing to stronger, more resilient health systems across West Africa.

How can scientific credibility be strengthened and misinformation addressed within communities?
Scientific credibility is built on three key pillars: rigour, transparency and closeness to communities. Science must be explained in a simple, clear and honest way. Technical language needs to be translated into messages people can understand, without losing meaning.

Scientists also need to engage directly with communities — to listen, to engage in dialogue and respond to concerns. Working with trusted figures such as community leaders, teachers and health workers is essential to counter misinformation. At the same time, investing early in science education helps develop critical thinking and a stronger understanding of scientific concepts.

What is still missing for health policymakers to systematically rely on scientific evidence?
The data are there, but the link between science and political decision-making remains fragile. What is often missing are structured, regular spaces for dialogue between researchers and decision-makers. Science needs to become a natural part of public action, not something consulted only at the last minute.

Institutionalising these exchanges would help turn research findings into concrete, relevant and effective policies. Decisions informed by science are fairer, more sustainable and ultimately better for population health.

What message would you like to share with young people in Guinea who are interested in or committed to science?
I want to tell them that their country needs them. Guinea needs young scientists who are rigorous, curious and guided by integrity. Choosing a career in science is a way of serving the common good.

I encourage them to pursue solid training, cultivate critical thinking, ask questions and innovate. They should remain grounded in local realities while staying open to the world. Credible, engaged and useful science is possible in Guinea — and it begins with them.

Keffi – Women are at the frontline of Nigeria’s disease detection and response. Their work drives faster reporting, higher vaccination coverage and stronger trust between communities and health services.

“When my son developed a rash, I was scared,” says Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State. “But the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly.”
Her experience reflects what is happening across many parts of Nigeria. When health threats emerge, women are often the first to respond. They support families, counter misinformation and connect communities to care.

Women protecting children during a measles outbreak

When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine  

Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care. Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.

Across Nigeria, women form many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services . They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.

Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings.

From community action to measurable results
The response also showed how investing in women strengthens routine systems, not only emergency response.
“When women are trained and trusted at the community level, the results are clear,” said Dr Zeenat Kabir Asma’i, World Health Organization (WHO) North Central Zonal Coordinator. “We see earlier case detection, higher vaccination uptake and better follow‑up with families. These are not short‑term gains. They improve how the health system works every day.”

During the recent measles response in Nasarawa State, women mobilisers supported surveillance teams to reach households early.
Outputs included:

• 76 500 doses of measles vaccines delivered
• 11 cold chain units deployed
• Five health facilities supported to strengthen routine immunisation and reporting
• A vaccination workforce made up of 78 percent women

These outputs led to outcomes:

• Vaccination coverage increased from 60 percent to 97 percent in targeted communities
• Faster reporting of suspected cases
• Fewer non‑compliant households
• Stronger trust between caregivers and health workers

At Angwan Waje Primary Health Care facility, community health worker Jamila Musa Zakari identified suspected measles cases and referred them for documentation. Women volunteers used immunisation sessions, antenatal clinics, home visits and community announcements to address rumours that had previously delayed care‑seeking.

“When we visit homes, mothers listen to us because we understand their worries,” says Hauwa Nasir, a community volunteer vaccinator. “We explain how early reporting protects their children.”

Some settlements, including Karama, initially resisted vaccination, particularly among nomadic families who had migrated from Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States. Many households prioritised food and basic needs over health services. Women volunteers worked with village heads and fathers to address concerns, improving vaccine acceptance.

Women’s leadership strengthens health systems
Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 17 in 2025 . After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further. 

WHO supported the response with technical guidance, training and supplies, while the Government of Nigeria led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health priorities.

“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders,” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve.”
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added:

“Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”

A growing impact across Nigeria
From community volunteers in Borno to surveillance officers in Kano and midwives in Rivers State, women are strengthening disease surveillance, improving vaccination uptake and building confidence in health services, including in conflict‑affected and hard‑to‑reach settings.

Back in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families say they feel better prepared.
“Now we know what to look for, and we report quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed says. “The women health workers helped us protect our children.”

What needs to happen next
Nigeria has made progress, but gaps remain in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
A clear call to action:

• For policymakers: Invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce
• For partners and donors: Support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance
• For communities: Continue early reporting and ensure children receive routine immunization

Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria. They are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives.

Bujumbura—The health authorities in Burundi, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, are deepening investigations to determine the cause of an illness that has led to five deaths and sickened 35 people in Mpanda district in the north of the country.

Laboratory analysis has turned negative for Ebola and Marburg virus diseases, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. An alert about the undiagnosed illness was received on 31 March 2026, primarily among members of the same household and close contacts. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in urine, fatigue and abdominal pain. Some severe cases have also presented with jaundice and anaemia.

“While it’s reassuring that preliminary analysis is negative for these serious infections, further investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the disease,” said Dr Lydwine Badarahana, Burundi’s Minister of Health. “All the necessary measures are being taken to safeguard public health and prevent potential spread of infection.” 

A joint team of experts from the country’s public health emergency operations centre and the national reference laboratory has been deployed to the field to support ongoing investigations.

WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health to strengthen disease surveillance, field investigation, clinical care, laboratory diagnosis and infection prevention and control, while also providing logistical support to sustain key operations. The Organization has also facilitated the shipment of samples to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo for further analysis.

The Ministry of Health is leading the response, working with partner organizations to coordinate joint efforts.

Niamey—In a small camp set up on the outskirts of Gueskérrou, a locality in the Diffa region in Niger near the Nigerian border, Amina, 34, describes the conditions in which she has lived since fleeing insecurity in her home village. Now a refugee at this site, she was no longer certain her children could access essential health services. She recalls the unexpected visit of the vaccination team as an important moment for her family: “Health workers arrived with coolers of vaccines and registers. For the first time in a long while, I felt that my family had not been forgotten,” she explains.

This scene reflects the complex health situation in the Diffa region, which has six health districts, 83 integrated health centres and 186 health posts, 36 of which are closed due to insecurity. In this context, access to basic services remains uncertain for vulnerable families like Amina’s. With an estimated population of over 900 000, marked by the presence of internally displaced persons, refugees, and nomadic groups, the region remains exposed to the risk of poliovirus circulation.

Polio, a viral disease that can cause irreversible paralysis, continues to threaten children who have never received a vaccine—known as “zero dose”—as well as those insufficiently vaccinated. In some hard-to-reach areas of Diffa, the virus can circulate silently, putting the youngest at particular risk.

In response, the government, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has strengthened a set of essential interventions. This collaboration has resulted in continuous technical support for planning and monitoring activities, as well as targeted operations to maintain access to vaccination in the most remote areas.

For Dr Amadou Housseini, Regional Director of Health and Public Hygiene in Diffa, coordination among actors remains indispensable: “Regularly analysing data, supporting teams in the field and ensuring that every at-risk area is rigorously monitored are essential elements. It is this constant effort that has allowed us to reduce type 2 poliovirus cases to zero,” he notes.

Health worker Aichatou Kangueye, involved in vaccination activities for more than 12 years, describes fieldwork as a collective effort carried out under varied conditions. He explains: “Reaching remote areas requires good preparation and coordination with communities. Each trip allows us to reach children who otherwise would not have received any vaccine,” he says.

With WHO’s technical support, two environmental surveillance sites have been established since April 2016 to detect virus circulation in wastewater, according to Mahaman Salahadine, regional head of environmental surveillance. Teams have also benefited from strengthened skills for 73 surveillance and vaccination agents, as well as the provision of field-appropriate tools. In total, 583 surveillance site visits have been conducted to closely monitor the situation. Essential cold chain equipment, data collection tools and logistical resources have further enabled teams to reach hard-to-access localities and continue their activities despite constraints.

In parallel, eight vaccination campaigns and three major catch-up rounds were conducted between 2024 and 2025 to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children. Thanks to fixed, mobile, and advanced strategies, teams were able to vaccinate an average of 349,961 children per campaign in diverse settings: households, nomadic camps, markets, bus stations, water points, and cross-border villages.

According to Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema, WHO Representative in Niger, progress in Diffa has been possible thanks to methods adapted to field realities, It is essential to adjust our actions to what communities actually experience because it is on this basis that we manage to protect children, even in hard-to-reach areas,” he says. Teams have adapted their actions by considering population movements, sometimes limited access to certain localities and information shared by communities. This approach—combining environmental surveillance, monitoring with health authorities and community participation—has enabled better coverage of the region and strengthened child protection in a sustainable way.

For families like Amina’s, these efforts facilitate access to services previously out of reach. Even in a fragile humanitarian environment, today Diffa shows that no child is beyond reach. Prospects for the coming years rest on strengthening surveillance, routine vaccination and campaign quality, with the shared goal of permanently eliminating polio.

In the camp where she now feels much safer, Amina envisions the future with newfound serenity. Knowing her children are protected from disease transforms her daily life and eases her worries. “Even in difficult times, something good can still happen,” she confides.