I closed our press conference with a clear message: as we work to support countries in the ongoing conflict, we must not overlook the Region’s neglected crises in Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Human suffering there is no less severe.
Needs are rising while funding is falling. Without sustained peace, health systems cannot recover or endure.
Peace is not separate from health. It is its foundation.
The Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System: Equity is Not a "Suggestion"
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE WEST AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH (@WAIPH_News )
DATE: March 27, 2026
"The Soul of Science Must Not Have a Price Tag..."
https://t.co/R9lKDML6xf
PNG 🇵🇬is 1/10 countries losing 1,000+ kids <5 to #pneumonia each yr where <50% are protected by pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)
New study sheds light onto what happens when coverage is too low👉https://t.co/5MRhp5La8r
🙏@pngimr@MCRI_for_kids#SECUREPCV
Two days ago, the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was observed and serves as a critical call to action for the prevention, detection, and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Established by the @UN General Assembly in 2020, following the global impact of COVID-19, the 27th of December day, emphasises that national health security is the foundation of global health security.
The key objectives of #IDEP are as follows;
1. Promoting "early detection, early action" through strengthened surveillance and cross-border collaboration to stop outbreaks at their source.
2. Advocating for robust local health systems and well-supported frontline health workers to ensure communities can withstand future crises.
3. Highlighting the "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and plant health to address the root causes of zoonotic diseases.
4. Calling for universal access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics through initiatives like the @WHO Pandemic Agreement.
It is important to note that there are four priority "#ActionableSteps" for 2025 which the West African Institute of Public Health (@WAIPH_News) and its affiliated structures are advocating and promoting, which are as follows:
1. Increase investment in local-level detection and communication systems.
2. Engage with international frameworks like The Pandemic Fund to support low - and middle-income countries and push to ensure support for multilateralism as key to delivering a safe world.
3. Adopt 7-1-7 Benchmarks that aim to detect outbreaks within 7 days, notify within 1 day, and launch a response within 7 days.
4. Use awareness-raising activities to combat misinformation and promote essential health hygiene.
🚨 As part of #IDEP2025, our call is to shine a spotlight on COMMUNITY HEALTH LITERACY as the game-changer!
Communities are the heartbeat of epidemic response, yet they are often the most underutilised resource. The West African Institute of Public Health has been a trailblazer, championing #CommunityHealthLiteracy for over a decade. Their Young Professionals in Public Health (#YPPH) programme and it's annual one-hundred cohort of Health Literacy Leadership Programme is empowering the next gen to drive change.
"Because epidemics begin and end in communities," let's put people at the heart of preparedness! What
The World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement's Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (#PABS) system is a step forward, ensuring rapid access to info and benefits. Let's make communities the centre of it all!
#EpidemicPreparedness #CommunityFirst #HealthLiteracy #GlobalHealth
@TheWaaph@iphfonline@AfricaCDC@UNDP@unicef@SDGsAfricaPSG@HealthLitUpdate@theIHLA@JustActions@WHOAFRO@DrTedros@ProfJanabi@Dr_JeanKaseya@RimaRudd@ntulikapologwe
#HLLP
https://t.co/GNfYEAywvf
Immunization is foundational to strong health systems—and to equity.
@_AfricanUnion Member States have adopted the Continental Immunization Strategy, coordinated by Africa CDC, to strengthen routine immunization, reach zero-dose communities, and integrate vaccines within resilient primary health care systems.
This is a collective step toward protecting more people in every community.
🔗 Find out more: https://t.co/Oco2sEwVkW
🟨🟦 LAST READ FOR 2025.
One of the very few people I can learn from for at least one hour is my Father-in-Health...@ohanyidof Prof. Francis Ohanyido. I came across this on @flyairpeace magazine for December 2025 @alicemagng . One page is not enough to benefit from his wealth of expertise but I am sure global citizens will gain immensely from this read like those around him usually do. If you're not flying airpeace, just comment "airpeace" or send me a DM with "airpeace" and I will send you a soft copy of the full magazine.
A well read mind is an invaluable mind. SEE YOU IN 2026 GODWILLING.
PS: This is a quick read and I am so pained 🥹.
@TheWaaph@WBG_Health@WHO@Waaph_Advocate@Waaph_Advocate@WHONigeria
#eachonehelpone #drfajembola #eachonehelpone
Big congrats to @BarhamSalih on his election as the next High Commissioner for @Refugees!
Having collaborated with UNHCR over two decades ago, I am thrilled to see a person of his experience & passion in leadership at this juncture , which will bode well for displaced populations worldwide.
To a brighter future for refugees!
#RefugeeLeadership
Phase 1 of the Needs Assessment for the Africa Digital Health Observatory for Planning and Transformation (ADHOPT) is now complete.
In Gaborone, Botswana — @AfricaCDC, through close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders, carried out a mapping of the country’s digital health landscape and co-designed a centralised platform to track digital maturity and guide evidence-based planning.
This pilot phase will ensure ADHOPT is practical, locally aligned, and fully Member State–driven.
#ADHOPT #AfricaCDC #DigitalHealth
It’s Day 3 of #ICASA2025.
Today, Dr @BrakaFiona, @WHOGhana Rep, is highlighting how @WHO is strengthening Africa’s resilience through clear guidelines and real-world examples.
She highlights integrated pandemic preparedness and key @WHO tools and best practices for countries.
@AfricaCDC, AUDA-NEPAD’s (@NEPAD_Agency)’s regulatory harmonisation initiative, and Institut Pasteur Dakar (@PasteurDakar), brought together regulators from 10 @_AfricanUnion Member States for intensive hands-on training to strengthen oversight of vaccine and biologics manufacturing.
The training focused on practical skills such as inspecting vaccine manufacturing sites, checking the safety and quality of vaccine batches, reviewing scientific information, and assessing applications for product approval. These skills are essential to ensure that vaccines produced in Africa are safe, effective, and meet international standards.
By reinforcing the expertise of national regulatory teams, Africa is strengthening its regulatory systems, improving oversight, and accelerating progress toward the continent’s vaccine manufacturing goals.
#HealthSovereignty
#ICASA2025 Day 4 has ended.
Today, @WHO experts contributed to 4 plenary sessions, sharing insights on key issues including HIV, hepatitis, cervical cancer & more.
We’re committed to making evidence and guidance accessible & today was another meaningful step in that effort.
Combating HIV requires accessible HIV commodities .
At #ICASA2025, we are sharing information on pathways to sustainable local production of safe, effective HIV commodities in Africa.
This can be achieved through strong partnerships, solid regulations & committed manufacturers.
10th Anniversary & 6th Membership Induction Ceremony
On November 24th, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: 10 years of advancing public health leadership alongside the 6th Membership Induction Ceremony of the Academy of Public Health.
The event brought together professionals, partners, thought leaders, and emerging practitioners committed to strengthening health systems across Africa.
Our conference sessions featured brilliant speakers who shared insights on digital health, governance, community resilience, and sustainable health systems. Their contributions challenged us to think deeper, innovate boldly, and collaborate intentionally.
Beyond the sessions, the event created space for meaningful conversations and new partnerships. Participants connected, exchanged ideas, and explored opportunities to advance public health work across diverse settings.
Congratulations to all our inductees. The future of public health is stronger because of your expertise, dedication, and passion.
We extend our gratitude to our partners, speakers, inductees, volunteers, and every attendee who contributed to the event’s success.
Your support continues to amplify our mission and expand our impact in improving public health outcomes across Africa.
Together, we move forward, stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever.
Here are some highlights from the keynote presentations and panel discussions and moments that made the celebration exceptional.
AcademyOfPublicHealth #10thAnniversary #InductionCeremony #PublicHealthLeadership #HealthSystemsStrengthening #APHConference2025 #AfricaHealth
In 2022, @WHO, @officialmoegov & partners conducted the Global School Health Survey (GSHS) in Sekondi-Takoradi, supported by Foundation Botnar.
This week, our teams are supporting a follow-up GSHS to understand practices & behaviours, to improve adolescents health and wellbeing.