Chikwe Ihekweazu

Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme. Opinions mine

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Spent the break in Nigeria, where I also sat down for this podcast with @thisisone2one on the health sector and my time at NCDC.

Thanks @drtsbey for pushing :).

https://t.co/t3DV3MEvG7

[Prof. Mohamed Janabi @ProfJanabi]

Congratulations, Marie Roseline Belizaire, @WHOAFRO’s Acting Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, on being named to the 2026 #TIME100Next list.

This well-deserved recognition reflects your leadership and impact in strengthening emergency preparedness and response across Africa.

On behalf of @WHOAFRO, I extend my warmest congratulations and wish you continued success as you inspire the next generation of leaders and public health champions.

https://t.co/ZkpPcIj4OK

@TIME

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

For #Ebola, early access to care can significantly improve chances of survival.

Yet in the outbreak in #DRC🇨🇩, seeking care, access and referral is not straight forward.

@WHO & partners continue to do everything possible to reach every patient and bring them into care.

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

#Ebola outbreak in #DRC latest:

Transmissions are declining in some areas, but many are still dying at home or in their communities, unable to reach health facilities on time.

In response, @WHO is expanding its treatment capacity and training hundreds of health workers.

[OMS RDC @OMSRDCONGO]

@malu_raissa @Insprdc @MR_Belizaire @mvankerkhove @Chikwe_I @ECHO_CESAfrica @eu_echo @OMS_Afrique @WHOAFRO Au moins 50 participants à cette séance de sensibilisation : 21 garçons, 25 filles et 4 enseignantes. Les élèves se sont engagés à transmettre le message à leurs familles et amis, pour freiner la propagation de la maladie à l'école comme dans leur communauté.

#vaincreBundibugyo

[United Nations @UN]

At the United Nations General Assembly, world leaders came together to seek solutions to the biggest challenges facing humanity.

“The UN remains the only place in the world where this is possible,” says @antonioguterres, adding:

“The UN is simply irreplaceable.”

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Good to meet State Secretary Dr Géza Andreas von Geyr today.

Deeply grateful for Germany’s continued partnership with @WHO and its strong support for our work in health emergencies, including additional support for the Ebola-BVD response and preparedness

[Germany UN Geneva 🇩🇪🇺🇳 @GermanyUNGeneva]

Germany provides additional EUR 2 million to fight Ebola outbreak in DRC. Great discussion with @Chikwe_I at @WHO on the urgency of global health security. Because diseases do not stop at borders. #GlobalHealth #WHO

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

The latest @WHO trends on #cholera, #meningitis and #plague are a reminder of both the challenges ahead & the progress we can achieve with the right investments.

Vaccines, disease surveillance, safe water, sanitation & quality care save lives.

[World Health Organization (WHO) @WHO]

Cholera deaths increased by 30% in 2025. This marks the highest annual number of cholera deaths reported to WHO since 1999. Seven countries - Angola, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen - accounted for around 90% of all reported cholera cases and deaths globally.

Data also reveal that vaccination has transformed the fight against meningococcal meningitis, one of the main causes of bacterial meningitis.

Read more: https://t.co/OFcFn4LNnF

[WFP DRC @WFPDRC]

📍Katwa, 🇨🇩

“When I arrived at the Ebola Treatment Centre, I had no strength left,” Isabelle recalls.

Today, she is gradually regaining her energy thanks to medical care and the 🍲 meals provided by @WFP.

🎦Hear her message to those who may be hesitant to seek medical care.👇

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Behind every health gain in this #Ebola response is a story of DRC government leadership, partnership, science & the dedication of people working to protect communities

I’m encouraged by the progress I saw in Beni but there is much work still ahead

We #KeepPushing

[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @DrTedros]

Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is not just an aspiration. It is a global public good.

My one ask to world leaders at the #UNGA High-Level Meeting: get the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex to the Pandemic Agreement done. As soon as possible.

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

As we respond in #DRC, we support neigbouring countries with their prepapredness, while building capacitu for the long term.

[WHO South Sudan @WHOSouthSudan]

Stronger labs. Safer communities!
@MoHRSS2011, with support from @WHOSouthSudan, and partners, concluded needs assessments at Yambio State and Nimule Hospital laboratories as part of a regional effort to strengthen 16 subnational labs across eight EAC Partner States.

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Important trip together with the @iascch Senior #Ebola Coordinator @julienmh to Niania. Together wi the the government of the #DRC - we will #keeppushing, supporting communities, working with partners to end this outbreak.

[Julien Harneis @julienmh]

Niania town connects 3 provinces, Ituri, Tshopo & Haut Uele, so it is vital that we stop Ebola stops transmission here, I was excited to see how our government led UN and NGO response has ramped up here with community engagement, a Treatment Centre, food distribution and more.

[World Health Organization (WHO) @WHO]

In an #Ebola response, every element must work together, from diagnostics and patient care to community engagement, leadership and coordination. When every part of the response is aligned, lives are saved, and the outbreak can be brought to an end.

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Spent my last day in #Bunia with the @WHO team

I leave inspired by their commitment, energy and dedication

While I am encouraged by progress made - we must push even harder because only one outcome is acceptable - end transmission & bring this #Ebola outbreak to an end

[World Health Organization (WHO) @WHO]

As of 23 September 2026, #DRC has reported 7890 confirmed cases, including 3799 deaths, with a case fatality ratio of 48.1%.

At the national level, the number of new cases reported each day remains high. However, the situation varies across the country, with some provinces and health zones experiencing much higher levels of transmission than others.

Read the full disease outbreak news: https://t.co/s14XDcItgo

[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @DrTedros]

The #Ebola virus had a head start in the #DRC, and we are still playing catch-up.

The response is growing stronger and we are seeing encouraging signs. But this epidemic is far from over.

My update on the progress, challenges and what it will take to stop it ⬇️

#UNGA #SDGlive

[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @DrTedros]

LIVE from #UNGA: @WHO media briefing on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response https://t.co/wEBYHtJaC8

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Thank you @hadjalahbib!

[Hadja Lahbib @hadjalahbib]

Pandemic Preparedness is not built during a crisis. It must be built before the crisis hits

That means investing in surveillance, vaccines & treatments, resilient supply chains.@UN declaration recognises this.

The current #Ebola outbreak in 🇨🇩 sadly reminds us why this matters.

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Every year, influenza viruses evolve & science must adjust to stay ahead.

Today, @WHO has announced recommendations for the 2027 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine composition, supporting countries & manufacturers to prepare for the next flu season.

https://t.co/CuN11GBmym

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

The Next Pandemic: Are We Ready? | United Nations https://t.co/2YHT3la18Z

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Nia-Nia sits at the crossroads of Bunia, Haut-Uélé & Kisangani making it critical for the #Ebola response

It was essential to establish a strong response here to prevent further spread

Partners united to keep the community from #Ebola but also strengthen local health services