WHO

Months of hostilities in Lebanon have left numerous families returning to their homes to find destroyed dwellings, interrupted services, and lost sources of income. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is adapting its response to address the immediate needs of affected populations, including supporting the rehabilitation of services, livelihoods, and early recovery. The ICRC is also working to improve access to healthcare, particularly in areas where services are disrupted. In the south of Lebanon and southern suburbs of Beirut, only 4% of families have full access to healthcare services, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The ICRC has supported over 70 medical and health facilities, including 12 hospitals, 21 primary healthcare centers, and 23 emergency medical services centers, by providing essential medical supplies, equipment, and other forms of vital assistance. The ICRC is also strengthening the capacity of main health facilities to prepare for emergency situations. In areas where communities lack direct access to healthcare facilities, the ICRC is prepared to deploy mobile health units to bring healthcare services to those in need.

The fighting in Yemen has intensified into a multi‑front, mass‑casualty crisis. Marib City suffered 469 casualties on 9 September, the largest single‑day toll, followed by 177 and 219 the next two days. Cumulative injuries and deaths rose from 1,137 to 2,883 in a week, with Marib accounting for 49 % of the total and Taiz/West Coast 43 %. The conflict also triggered a mass displacement wave, with 11,096 families—about 77,789 people—verified across six governorates, a sharp rise from 1,790 households earlier in the month. Seven health facilities were damaged or destroyed, and the MoPHP issued a 72‑hour operational package, while WHO dispatched surgical supplies and blood bags to four hospitals. The situation threatens to overwhelm Yemen’s fragile health infrastructure and disrupt relief corridors.

On 25 September 2026, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa convened a 90‑minute Presidential Dialogue on High‑Threat Pathogens at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event, attended by ministers, national leaders and development partners, focused on transforming Africa’s reactive outbreak response into proactive preparedness intelligence. Delegates discussed political trust across borders, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and the financing of intelligence before emergencies. The programme included a live demonstration of the Preparedness Data Exchange (PDX) platform and Voyage Santé+ border‑screening technology. Organisers emphasized that the goal is not a single centralised database but a federated, trusted ecosystem that lets countries retain control of their data while generating collective security intelligence. The dialogue aims to strengthen cross‑border collaboration, accelerate threat prediction, and guide investment toward anticipation rather than reaction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new malaria vaccine for children, known as RTS,S. This vaccine has been developed by GlaxoSmithKline and has undergone rigorous testing. According to the WHO, the vaccine has shown a significant reduction in severe malaria cases and hospitalizations in young children. The prequalification process involves a thorough evaluation of the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and quality. The WHO's approval is a crucial step towards making the vaccine available in low- and middle-income countries. The vaccine will be distributed through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization. The first shipments are expected to arrive in the coming months.

Over 100 emergency health specialists from 56 institutions across 21 countries gathered in Seoul for a two‑day WHO‑led meeting to map and close gaps in the region’s outbreak response workforce. The partners, part of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), identified three priority areas—cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and environmental health, and biological, nuclear and radiological emergencies. They pledged to strengthen these capacities through shared expertise and coordinated action. GOARN has already deployed nine experts on six missions this year, from measles in Vietnam to HIV in Fiji, demonstrating its surge capability. The Western Pacific network now includes 94 partners in 19 countries, and the meeting reaffirmed a collective effort to prepare the region for the next health emergency.

On May 15, the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain. As of September 8, 6,843 confirmed cases and 3,310 deaths have been reported, with the epidemic centered in Ituri province and spreading to Bas‑Uélé, Haut‑Uélé, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo. Uganda has declared its outbreak over after its last case was released from treatment on July 16, recording 20 cases and two deaths. The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. International Medical Corps is supporting more than 100 facilities in the DRC, conducting 626,380 screenings and treating 1,911 patients, including 521 confirmed cases, while training 2,930 staff on case management. In Uganda, the organization trained 369 people, screened 2,665 at points of entry and 1,022 at bus stations, monitored 1,399 contacts, and distributed 11,398 educational materials. The organization also continues to support preparedness and surveillance efforts in South Sudan, engaging with national and county health authorities to strengthen coordination and technical capacity.

A World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, visited three referral and teaching hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan, on September 6, 2026. The hospitals, including the Khartoum Teaching Hospital, the Ophthalmology Hospital, and the Dental Hospital, were damaged during the conflict. The delegation witnessed extensive damage to buildings and medical equipment, with operating theatres destroyed, imaging equipment lost, and several wards collapsed. Despite these conditions, hospital staff were present, treating patients in usable parts of the buildings. The Khartoum State Ministry of Health has started renovation and rehabilitation work, but more needs to be done before the hospitals can resume their functions. The WHO Representative emphasized the urgent need to rehabilitate the facilities and called on partners to help mobilize resources. The visit served as a sample of the needs of the State's hospital network, with similar damage sustained by other major hospitals in Khartoum State.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded an interagency gender-based violence (GBV) training in Yemen, aimed at strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver safe, confidential, and survivor-centred care to vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls affected by violence. The training, implemented under the World Bank-financed Emergency Human Capital Project, brought together 30 participants, including 27 females, from hospitals across Aden, Abyan, Taiz, and Lahj. The training emphasized a survivor-centred, rights-based approach, prioritizing safety, dignity, confidentiality, and informed consent. Participants strengthened their skills in recognizing signs and disclosures of GBV, providing appropriate case management, and facilitating safe referrals and follow-up. The training also focused on strengthening coordination and referral pathways between health and other relevant services.

Kenya's Ministry of Health has activated a contingency plan to prepare for potential health risks linked to the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño season. The plan brings together national and county governments, emergency agencies, humanitarian organisations, and development partners to guide preparedness and response to heavy rainfall and flooding. The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing technical support, focusing on areas such as disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, and risk communication. The plan is informed by Kenya's experience with widespread flooding during the March-May 2026 long rains, which affected 27 counties, claimed 122 lives, and displaced 42,259 people.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa has continued to support countries in strengthening health systems through innovative approaches to noncommunicable disease care. The 3rd International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa highlighted significant progress, with 20 countries engaged in implementing the PEN-Plus model and services available in more than 120 district hospitals. Country experiences demonstrate the impact of integrated approaches to care, such as bringing specialized services for conditions like sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes closer to patients in Cameroon. In The Gambia, expanded HPV vaccination efforts are protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. WHO is also advancing action on mental health and promoting the integration of eye, ear, and oral health services into its platforms.

The WHO São Tomé and Príncipe Newsletter for April‑June 2026 reports that the country has eliminated lymphatic filariasis and malaria and has digitised its immunisation system. Vaccination programmes have been strengthened, and new strategies for non‑communicable disease prevention and health professional capacity building have been introduced. The edition also announces the launch of strategic frameworks and innovative health‑service management approaches, alongside efforts to secure sustainable health financing. The government and WHO celebrated 50 years of partnership, marking five decades of joint work to improve population health and move toward universal health coverage.

More than 600 people in Bamingui‑Bangoran are receiving health care, but in Haute‑Kotto the worsening road network and seasonal weather have blocked humanitarian access. From 20 to 28 August, several vehicles and trucks carrying aid were immobilised for days on the Bria‑Ouadda and Aïgbando routes, delaying food deliveries and the implementation of protection and health activities. Despite these setbacks, partners are still organising planned food distributions for vulnerable populations in Ouadda. In Mbomou, WHO trained 30 community agents in Bangassou on Ebola case definition, transmission and prevention, preparing them to conduct community outreach and early case referral. In Vakaga, World Vision, acting for the World Food Programme, distributed a 30‑day food package to 527 households in Birao, but road conditions slowed the delivery of oil, salt, rice and legumes.

Since the outbreak was declared in mid‑May 2026, WHO consultant Nadège Esangowale Yangala has worked on the frontlines in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province. She helped 13 health facilities reach infection‑prevention and control (IPC) standards and trained about 430 personnel, including doctors, nurses, traditional healers and waste‑management teams. Within 48 hours of a triage review, the hospital moved its triage desk to the entrance, installed foot‑operated hand‑washing stations and created a temporary isolation area, allowing a suspected case to be isolated immediately. Yangala’s team also distributed IPC supplies, improved water and sanitation access, and mentored staff on PPE use, hand hygiene and waste decontamination. Challenges remain, such as intermittent supplies of soap, chlorine and protective gear, and staff fatigue, but the response has shifted hand‑washing and equipment disinfection from optional to routine practice, boosting confidence among health workers and patients alike.

The World Health Organization, in partnership with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, has equipped Basselia Primary Health Care Centre with a Digital Care Companion (DCC) system. The installation includes Starlink internet, a desktop computer, solar panels and battery storage, enabling the first electronic patient record system in the facility. Volunteer health worker Mr. Seberino Gaitano, who has managed the clinic for years, reports that the DCC guides staff through registration, triage, patient management, referral and reporting, replacing fragmented paper registers. The system provides structured clinical guidance, improves patient tracking, facilitates timely referrals to higher‑level care, and generates reliable data for reporting and decision‑making. Continued mentorship and support are needed to sustain the transition to digital care.

The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa released its Week 30 bulletin covering public health emergencies in the African region for 20–26 July 2026. The bulletin reports on cholera outbreaks in the Central African Republic, mpox cases in Angola, and the humanitarian crisis in Mali. The bulletin serves as a concise update for national health authorities and international partners, summarizing the latest situation reports and recommended actions. It is part of WHO’s ongoing effort to provide timely information on emerging health threats across the continent.

The World Health Organization African Region has introduced the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) initiative to address the high burden of cervical and breast cancers. Despite available prevention and treatment tools, many women are still diagnosed late, leading to poor survival and severe social and economic impacts. WICS is anchored in primary health care and offers a scalable model that integrates cervical and breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment with other essential health services. By delivering care closer to women’s homes, the program aims to improve access, continuity, and equity, aligning with universal health coverage principles.

WHO, with financial backing from Italy, has deployed primary health care services to remote Afghan communities through the Gari Basic Health Centre. The centre, supported by a WHO project funded by the Italian government, treated a 14‑month‑old boy named Mohammad who suffered a severe burn that left him unable to walk. Health workers assessed the wound, applied dressings, and instructed the family on home care. Follow‑up visits were scheduled every two days, and Mohammad fully recovered. WHO Representative Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador said the initiative reduces health inequities by bringing timely care closer to underserved populations. The project demonstrates how donor support can transform access to essential health services in hard‑to‑reach areas.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa has released the Addis Ababa Call to Action, a document aimed at protecting and accelerating multi-disease elimination in Africa. The call to action was issued during the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. The document focuses on Neglected Tropical Diseases, which are a significant public health concern in the region. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is working to eliminate these diseases through various initiatives and partnerships. The Addis Ababa Call to Action outlines strategies for protecting and accelerating multi-disease elimination, including strengthening health systems, improving access to healthcare, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. The document also emphasizes the need for increased funding and resources to support disease elimination efforts. The WHO Regional Office for Africa will continue to work with member states and partners to implement the strategies outlined in the Addis Ababa Call to Action.

Schizophrenia ranks among the world’s top ten causes of disability, yet most patients experience persistent cognitive and social difficulties that are often overlooked. Over the past fifteen years, research has produced behavioral treatments—cognitive remediation and social cognitive training—that improve memory, attention, problem‑solving, and the ability to read others’ emotions. More than 100 controlled trials demonstrate these therapies enhance daily functioning. However, a 2025 WHO report indicates that roughly two‑thirds of people with schizophrenia worldwide receive no specialized mental health care, and few treatment centers have the expertise or resources to deliver these intensive programs. Without broader access, gains in quality of life and independence remain limited.

The WHO Regional Office for Africa published its July 2026 Electronic Surveillance monthly bulletin, which offers standardized updates on the implementation of the eSURV/ISS system and key performance indicators across the region. The bulletin is intended to help stakeholders monitor active surveillance progress, identify gaps, and inform evidence‑based decisions at regional, national, and sub‑national levels. The document is available for download and includes information relevant to polio surveillance.

A recent interagency risk analysis was conducted in the Beni territory of Nord-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with various organizations. The analysis aimed to assess community risks related to Ebola and other health concerns. The effort was a response to the 17th Ebola outbreak in the region. The participating organizations included IMC, UNFPA, WHO, ADRA, SOFEPADI, ACOPE, Heal Africa, BCZ, ACMI, PPSSP, and APROFEC. The analysis was conducted in July 2026, and its findings are attached to a report by the UN OCHA's ReliefWeb. The report does not provide detailed information about the analysis, but it highlights the importance of interagency collaboration in addressing community risks in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been experiencing various health challenges, including Ebola outbreaks, which have affected the local population and the response efforts. The interagency risk analysis is a crucial step in understanding and mitigating these risks. The report emphasizes the need for continued collaboration and support to address the community risks in the Beni territory. The analysis is part of a broader effort to improve the response to health crises in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been working with international partners to strengthen its health systems and respond to emerging health threats. The interagency risk analysis is an essential component of this effort, and its findings will inform future response efforts in the region. The report highlights the importance of community engagement and participation in addressing health risks. The analysis was conducted in partnership with local organizations, which provided valuable insights into the community risks and needs. The report emphasizes the need for continued support and collaboration to address the community risks in the Beni territory. The interagency risk analysis is a critical step in improving the response to health crises in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been working with international partners to strengthen its health systems and respond to emerging health threats. The interagency risk analysis is an essential component of this effort, and its findings will inform future response efforts in the region.

Over the first six months of 2026, almost 39,000 children fled violence in North Kordofan and arrived in El Obeid, adding to a total of more than 605,000 displaced people in the town and Sheikan locality. The influx has strained already limited health, water, education and protection services. Save the Children reports a sharp rise in child malnutrition: in April 2026, 426 children were treated for malnutrition in Sheikan, up 118 % from March and 75 % from April 2025. Food shortages and reduced assistance in the camps have forced many children to skip meals. Water access has deteriorated, with daily consumption falling to about 7 litres per person—less than half the WHO minimum of 15 litres for crisis situations—after drone strikes damaged water infrastructure in June and July. Families report spending half their day searching for water, while health facilities report increasing numbers of children needing treatment. Save the Children urges the international community to protect civilians, secure sustained humanitarian access and increase aid before the crisis deepens further.

The Ukraine Rehabilitation Technical Working Group (RTWG) held a meeting on July 31, 2026, to discuss ongoing projects and updates. The meeting was chaired by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Momentum Wheels for Humanity Ukraine (MWH). Participants included various organizations, such as the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), the National Committee of Red Cross of Ukraine, and the International Medical Corps. The agenda included updates on the newly launched ECHO-funded project 'Strengthening Health, Protection, and Resilience of Vulnerable People in Ukraine' (Rehab4U) and the handover of Humanity & Inclusion activities in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts. The meeting also allowed for partner updates and any other business (AOB). The meeting aimed to facilitate collaboration and coordination among the participating organizations to address the rehabilitation needs of vulnerable people in Ukraine. The meeting's outcome and decisions will be crucial in shaping the future of rehabilitation efforts in the country. The RTWG's work is essential in ensuring that the rehabilitation needs of vulnerable populations are met, and their participation in the meeting demonstrates a commitment to this goal. The meeting's success will depend on the effective collaboration and coordination among the participating organizations. The RTWG's efforts will have a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people in Ukraine, and their work will be crucial in rebuilding the country's healthcare system. The meeting's outcome will be crucial in determining the future of rehabilitation efforts in Ukraine, and the RTWG's work will be essential in ensuring that the rehabilitation needs of vulnerable populations are met.