Category: Africa

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Deputy President Mashatile to host China’s Vice President

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Mashatile to host China’s Vice President

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will host his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, at Tuynhuys, Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province. 

The two leaders will co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Thursday, under the theme: “South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared Modernisation”.

“South Africa and China enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. The BNC at the Deputy Presidential level was established in 2000 as the highest-structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic, and sectoral cooperation between the two nations,” the Presidency said.

Additionally, reciprocal State Visits and exchange of visits across Government Ministries, Parliament and Provinces reflect the depth of the relations and advance South Africa’s foreign policy and development priorities.

Other Bilateral Structured Mechanisms with China to implement the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation (2020–2029), and monitor cooperation, include the Strategic Dialogue (SD) at Ministerial level: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) at Minister of Trade level, the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) at Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture level, and the Joint Working Group at Deputy Ministerial level: DIRCO. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Implementation of structural reforms pays off

Source: Government of South Africa

Implementation of structural reforms pays off

The implementation of structural reforms has liberalised the energy market; shifted it away from reliance on Eskom; resolved Eskom’s debt and enabled the power utility to invest in repairing and maintaining its energy generation infrastructure. 

“The structural reforms are paying off. We have liberalised the energy market, and we no longer depend solely on Eskom for our electricity supply,” Deputy Finance Minister, Dr David Masondo, said on Tuesday.

Through Operation Vulindlela, government is advancing structural reforms to unlock growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve state capabilities.

“These structural reforms, along with the resolution of Eskom’s R420 billion debt, have enabled Eskom to invest in repairing and maintaining its energy generation infrastructure. As a result, we are currently not experiencing load shedding.

“It is therefore essential that we continue to reform our economy to withstand global headwinds and external shocks. We must also implement additional measures, such as increasing investment in renewable energy and gas, to diversify our energy sources and reduce the risk of future energy disruptions,” the Deputy Minister said.

Masondo was addressing the launch of Phase 3 of the Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme, an initiative intended to support policymaking in South Africa by working closely with researchers to close knowledge gaps crucial to the achievement of inclusive growth and economic transformation. 

“We are launching Phase III at a critical moment. Globally, economic conditions remain uncertain. In this environment, evidence becomes even more important. It enables better prioritisation. It supports more efficient allocation of resources. And it ensures that reforms deliver measurable outcomes,” Masondo said.

Phase III, running from 2026 to 2029, will consolidate and expand the gains already achieved.

The programme will continue to focus on key areas, including public revenue mobilisation, poverty, inequality, and labour markets; Macro-fiscal analysis; and climate-related challenges across food, energy, and water

“Importantly, Phase III introduces a new focus on public expenditure. This is critical. As fiscal space becomes more constrained, the question is no longer only how much we spend, but how effectively we spend.

“Improving the efficiency and impact of public expenditure will be central to achieving inclusive growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

Phase III will be anchored on three core priorities.

First, deepening research for evidence-based policymaking, including strengthening the link between research and implementation.

Second, strengthening data infrastructure by expanding access to administrative datasets and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Third, building state capability through training, skills development, and greater integration of research within government.

“Ultimately, sustainable reform depends not only on good ideas, but on the capacity to implement them. The defining feature of our time is uncertainty. In such an environment, governments must be agile, responsive, and informed.

“SA-TIED represents exactly the kind of institutional innovation required to meet this challenge. As we launch Phase III, we reaffirm a simple principle: better evidence leads to better policy. And better policy leads to better outcomes for our people,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that the National Treasury remains committed to sustaining the partnership with all partners in government, academia, and development partners, and ensuring that evidence continues to inform the delivery of reform in South Africa. 

“This programme is not only about producing research, but also about embedding evidence within the processes of government.

“It is built on long-term collaboration between policymakers and researchers, grounded in trust and shared purpose. Our partnership with UNU-WIDER has been central to this success,” the Deputy Minister said.

The World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER) brings global expertise, strong research networks, and methodological rigour, which have strengthened the quality and relevance of the work produced.

“We also extend our appreciation to the European Union and the United Kingdom for their continued support. These partnerships demonstrate that well-aligned collaboration can build lasting institutional capability,” Masondo said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

nosihle

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Mahlobo to address sustainability conference in Johannesburg

Source: Government of South Africa

Mahlobo to address sustainability conference in Johannesburg

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo is expected to deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference in Johannesburg, this evening.

The two-day conference, currently underway in Fourways, started on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, bringing together sustainability leaders, policymakers, chief executive officers, academics and industry specialists to tackle pressing challenges and explore innovative ways of embedding sustainability into business strategies.

Established in 2011, the conference emerged from a partnership between Topco Media and the United Nations to produce the official publication for COP17 – United Nations Climate Change Conference.

The collaboration laid the groundwork for what has become a key platform for advancing sustainability dialogue in Africa.

This year’s programme features expert-led panel discussions examining critical sustainability challenges and opportunities facing both South Africa and the broader continent.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahlobo’s address will focus on strengthening partnerships at local, national and global levels, and highlight the Blue Deal as a model for cooperation and progress.

“This is a call to action to commit to strengthening collaboration across all levels of society and investing in innovation and capacity building,” the department said in a statement.

Conference highlights include a panel on supporting grassroots green waste entrepreneurs hosted by HEINEKEN Beverages, which will explore how small-scale innovators are converting waste into economic opportunities within South Africa’s circular economy.

Another session, hosted in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network South Africa, will focus on urban water security. The discussion will examine how collaboration between government, business and communities can strengthen urban water systems through public-private-community partnerships, supported by practical case studies.

Delegates are also expected to gain practical insights into addressing resource scarcity, building resilient urban infrastructure, and adapting to climate change.

The programme further offers guidance on emerging technologies, innovative business models, sustainability reporting, and the role of inclusive leadership in driving both economic and social impact. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) demande des investissements durables pour lutter contre la tuberculose chez les enfants

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre la tuberculose, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) appelle les gouvernements et les bailleurs internationaux à placer les enfants au cœur de la lutte mondiale contre la maladie et à s’engager à garantir des investissements durables pour son diagnostic, son traitement et sa prévention chez les plus jeunes, qui demeurent parmi les plus vulnérables. 1,2 million d’enfants sont atteints de tuberculose dans le monde, mais près de la moitié ne sont ni diagnostiqués ni traités. La tuberculose est pourtant une maladie évitable et curable.

« Dans le contexte d’une riposte à la tuberculose déjà insuffisamment financée, les enfants sont encore plus marginalisés lorsque les services sont perturbés par les réductions d’aide, les conflits ou les déplacements de populations », explique Cathy Hewison, référente tuberculose pour MSF. « Les outils pour diagnostiquer et traiter la tuberculose chez les enfants existent, même s’ils restent imparfaits. Pourtant, seule la moitié des enfants concernés sont diagnostiqués ou pris en charge. Pour que la lutte globale contre la tuberculose soit réellement efficace, les enfants doivent devenir une priorité immédiate. »

Selon le Rapport mondial 2025 de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) sur la tuberculose, 1,2 million d’enfants et de jeunes adolescents de moins de 15 ans ont contracté la maladie en 2024. Le rapport souligne également qu’un pourcentage alarmant de 43 % d’entre eux n’ont pas été diagnostiqués ni pu accéder à un traitement en 2024. La situation est encore plus critique chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans atteints de tuberculose : seulement la moitié d’entre eux bénéficie d’un diagnostic et d’une prise en charge. Par ailleurs, la combinaison des perturbations des services de lutte contre la tuberculose, liées aux récentes baisses de financements internationaux, et d’un nombre record de personnes déplacées dans les pays les plus touchés laisse présager une hausse du nombre d’enfants non diagnostiqués et non traités. 

Les équipes de MSF sont souvent confrontées à des enfants atteints de tuberculose dont la prise en charge est retardée, faute de méthodes diagnostiques adaptées ou disponibles, ou simplement parce que la maladie n’est pas envisagée par les médecins. 

Malgré cette situation préoccupante, il est possible de mieux repérer les enfants qui échappent au diagnostic et au traitement de la tuberculose en appliquant pleinement les recommandations de l’OMS. Par exemple, chez les enfants de moins de 10 ans, l’utilisation des algorithmes décisionnels thérapeutiques recommandés par l’OMS constitue une approche efficace : ces outils, basés sur des systèmes de scores, permettent aux soignants de poser un diagnostic à partir des seuls signes cliniques (éventuellement complétés par une radiographie, si disponible), notamment lorsque les tests de laboratoire sont indisponibles ou négatifs. Selon des recherches récentes menées par MSF dans cinq pays africains (Guinée, Niger, Nigeria, Soudan du Sud et Ouganda), le recours à ces algorithmes pourrait presque doubler le nombre d’enfants diagnostiqués et, par conséquent, mis sous traitement vital.

« La mise en œuvre des algorithmes décisionnels thérapeutiques de l’OMS au Niger a représenté un véritable signe d’espoir », a déclaré le Dr Moussa Mamane Oumarou Farouk, référent tuberculose pour MSF au Niger. « En 2024 et 2025, près de la moitié des enfants de moins de cinq ans chez qui une tuberculose a été diagnostiquée dans le pays se trouvaient dans les cinq districts où MSF accompagne la mise en œuvre des algorithmes. Étendre ces méthodes à l’ensemble des 72 districts du Niger, en partenariat avec le ministère de la Santé publique et de l’Hygiène, pourrait considérablement réduire le retard de diagnostic chez les enfants et prévenir un plus grand nombre de décès. » 

Tout symptôme ignoré et toute décision thérapeutique retardée exposent les enfants atteints de tuberculose à des formes graves de la maladie, voire à la mort. Il est urgent que les gouvernements et les bailleurs internationaux fassent preuve de volonté politique et renforcent leurs investissements afin de garantir l’accès de tous les enfants aux outils vitaux de prévention, de diagnostic et de traitement de la tuberculose. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Uganda: Cost of Busega – Mpigi Expressway doubles with little progress made

Source: APO – Report:

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Parliament is concerned about the escalating cost of the Busega–Mpigi Expressway with lawmakers questioning how the project’s contract price doubled from the initial Shs547.5 billion to over Shs1.2 trillion.

The Committee on Physical Infrastructure chaired by Hon.  Dan Kimosho raised these concerns on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 while meeting officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport led by Gen. Katumba Wamala.

The meeting centred on the planned activities in the Ministerial Policy Statement for financial year 2026/2027.

Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala attributed the cost escalation to changes in the project’s design and scope which he said include revised road alignments and additional infrastructure like interchanges and connecting roads.

Engineer-in-Chief, Stephen Kitonsa said that a technical review team had reassessed the project and arrived at the revised cost.

Kimosho dismissed explanations that the increase was purely technical, arguing that such a sharp jump pointed to deeper issues.

“This is science, not gambling. It is not possible that changes could amount to double the price,” he said adding that, ’there is a smelling rat in the project’.

He added that those responsible for the apparent financial loss had yet to be identified warning that accountability must be established.

The committee also heard that negotiations with the contractor remain incomplete despite Parliament previously approving additional funding to facilitate the project’s completion.

“As we speak now, we have not yet fully contracted the contractor for completion. The negotiations are still ongoing,” Gen. Katumba Wamala said.

He revealed that the contractor had initially lodged claims worth Shs578 billion, citing delays and idle equipment. 

Following negotiations, the claims were reduced significantly, with the contractor agreeing to settle for Shs78 billion.

Lawmakers expressed frustration at the prolonged negotiations with Bukanga North Member of Parliament, Hon. Nathan Byanyima questioning the delay.

The 23.7KM expressway is meant to ease traffic along the Kampala–Masaka Highway. 

Its construction stalled due to funding challenges before government secured additional financing from the African Development Bank.

Despite construction progress on the ground, MPs warned that continued delays and unexplained cost variations could expose the project to further financial risk.

“You can even have a third renegotiation at this rate if you don’t zero down on someone’s neck,” Kimosho cautioned.

Moroto District Woman Representative, Hon. Stella Atyang also raised concern over what she described as poor negotiation practices, arguing that taxpayers are bearing the cost of penalties and inefficiencies in road projects.

The committee directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to submit the original contract for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway as part of a probe into the project.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Municipality responds to fire at Botha Sigcau Building in Mthatha

Source: Government of South Africa

Municipality responds to fire at Botha Sigcau Building in Mthatha

The O.R. Tambo District Municipality says its fire and rescue teams are actively responding to a blaze at the Botha Sigcau Building in Mthatha, with the situation currently under control.

In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality said the fire was swiftly reported by members of the public, allowing emergency services to respond without delay. Authorities expressed appreciation for the public’s vigilance, noting that early reporting played a critical role in the rapid deployment of firefighting teams.

“Emergency teams are on site, working to contain the fire and ensure the safety of surrounding areas. The situation is currently being actively managed. The cause of the fire is not yet known,” the municipality said. 

The Botha Sigcau Building is an 11-storey government complex that houses more than 11 departments, including health, education, agriculture and rural development, as well as several key provincial offices. 

Preliminary reports indicate the fire may have started on the fourth floor at around 7pm, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.

The incident has raised concerns about potential disruptions to government services in the region, given the building’s importance as a central administrative hub. 

No injuries have been reported at this stage. The municipality said further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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South Africa advances governance of digital platforms at TikTok Safer Internet Summit 

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa advances governance of digital platforms at TikTok Safer Internet Summit 

By Kenny Morolong 
Not so long ago, the ability to share information with large audiences was limited to a small group of people, such as journalists and broadcasters. Today, digital platforms have flipped the script, giving anyone with a smartphone and internet the power to reach a global audience. 

This shift has broken down old barriers, allowing anyone, anywhere, to join the conversation instantly. It has also widened access to global knowledge, showcased creativity to millions, and created new economic opportunities.

For governments, these platforms are powerful tools to connect with citizens directly. In South Africa, government is increasingly embracing the digital sphere to keep people informed about policies and services that affect their daily lives. Through social media, communication is becoming faster and more responsive. 

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has already moved publications to a digital-only format to extend their reach and launched podcasts to reach a younger, more mobile audience. Through WhatsApp channels it sends news and job opportunities straight to citizens’ pockets.  Moving forward, GCIS will expand high-impact tools like GoZA TV and zero-rated data services to ensure every South African stays informed without the barrier of data costs.

While digital infrastructure spreads important information and creates economic opportunities, it can also act as a megaphone for misinformation and disinformation. A single post can reach millions in seconds making it difficult to keep up with content that moves faster than it can be checked. Moreover, by choosing what shows up on our screens through algorithms, these platforms have a powerful influence over how we understand the world. The rapid spread of harmful information is one of the biggest challenges for our society. 

This reality was the focus of the TikTok Safer Internet Summit held on 9 and 10 March 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya where African leaders and technology companies met to build safer online environments. South Africa had joined these talks to advance responsible governance and improve transparency. The summit highlighted that digital safety cannot be the responsibility of governments alone; it requires collaboration between tech companies, educators, and civil society to protect online communities.

Across the continent, encouraging steps are being taken, such as the African Union and TikTok launching the #SaferTogether campaign to equip youth with digital tools. In this new world, knowing how to use the internet safely is essential. It requires specific skills to check sources, verify facts, and spot misleading content. This aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which recognises that a connected continent must also be a safe one.

At the same time, tech companies must act more responsibly. Their systems should not just optimise for clicks; they should be built to discourage the spread of lies and harmful content. Greater transparency regarding how a specific story shows up on our feed is a major step toward making the internet a more honest and reliable space.

To make digital literacy work, governments and schools must join forces with tech companies to reach as many people as possible, especially the youth. This effort is not about silencing voices rather it is about responsible stewardship of the digital world. The goal is to ensure the internet remains a helpful space where everyone has the tools to navigate information safely.

The task before us is to ensure that these powerful networks serve humanity rather than destabilise it. The narratives that are circulating through our digital systems every day are doing more than just filling time they are actively shaping the future of our societies.

*Morolong is the Deputy Minister in the Presidency

Neo

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Ministra da Justiça preside abertura da Semana Cultural no Centro Socioeducativo Orlando Pantera

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Ministra da Justiça, Joana Rosa presidiu, segunda-feira, 23 de março, a Semana cultural que decorre, entre os dias 23 e 27, sob o lema “Identidade, Arte e Transformação”. A iniciativa constitui uma intervenção socioeducativa estruturada, voltado ao desenvolvimento pessoal, social e cultural de adolescentes em cumprimento de medidas socioeducativas, promovendo valores de responsabilidade, cidadania e reinserção social.

Na ocasião, Joana Rosa usou da palavra para destacar o trabalho desenvolvido em várias setores, como o desporto, a cultura, a formação com os menores em conflito com a lei, com forte investimento na reinserção e reintegração social, procurando trazer as famílias ao convívio com eles, para lhes transmitir amor e carinho”.

Garantiu “uma aposta na formação nas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) e em várias outras áreas, conforme a apetência de cada educando e a criação de um ambiente interno acolhedor, de solidariedade, de cooperação e de compreensão entre os educandos, a fim de evitar conflitos e ajudá-los a se preparar para se reinserirem no seio das respetivas famílias e comunidades, no final do cumprimento das medidas socioeducativas”.

“Os menores que estão aqui no Centro são oriundos de família desestruturadas, muitos deles vivem com avôs, abandonaram o sistema de ensino e acabaram por estar na rua, cometendo delitos e sendo usados para práticas ilícitas, por isso temos a obrigação de trabalhar com eles para também evitar que haja reincidência. Temos de trabalhar também na prevenção, junto das famílias e das comunidades”, sublinhou a Ministra.

Quanto aos resultados dos trabalhos desenvolvidos pelo Centro, Joana Rosa considera que “são bons, pois muitos educandos já saíram, estando a trabalhar, a estudar, não tem havido reincidentes e, ao nível das infraestruturas, foram realizadas muitas obras de requalificação para tornar o espaço normal, diferente de um estabelecimento prisional.”

As atividades da semana cultural abrangem serenata, dança tradicional, momentos literários e introspetivos, exibição de filme, roda de diá. e visita à galeria de arte “viagens nas tintas”. Também haverá atividades desportivas.

Recorde-se que, atualmente, estão 47 educandos, sendo apenas uma menina. Está prevista a saída de um número significativo de educandos nos próximos tempos.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Faster diagnosis, earlier treatment: Tanzania advances the fight against Tuberculosis (TB)

Source: APO – Report:

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In Kigoma Region, a quiet but important change is transforming the fight against tuberculosis (TB). People who are suspected to have TB are now getting accurate results within hours instead of days. This means they can start treatment much earlier, recover faster, and reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.

This progress is largely due to increased access to WHO-recommended molecular rapid diagnostic tools, including GeneXpert 10-color machines. These technologies are helping to strengthen TB and HIV services where it matters most at the frontline. It shows what can happen when countries invest in better diagnostic systems and make sure communities can access them.

Across the WHO African Region, TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Every 83 seconds, someone loses their life to TB. In 2024 alone, the disease caused about 378,000 deaths and 2.7 million infections accounting for a significant share of the global burden.

Tanzania is among the high TB burden countries, with an estimated 118,000 people infected and 23,500 deaths in 2024. Despite this, the country is making real progress. Between 2015 and 2024, TB deaths dropped by 75%, a major achievement that reflects years of focused effort.

These gains come from continued investment in the health system expanding diagnostic services, improving treatment, and reaching more people. In places like Kigoma, these efforts are already making a visible difference.

“We are grateful for the strong partnership between the Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Health, and WHO,” said Dr Joseph Emmanuel Nangawe, Medical Officer in Charge at Maweni Regional Referral Hospital. “With these advanced machines, we are expanding services to more facilities so people can be tested quickly and start treatment without delay.”

The benefits are clear: quicker and more accurate diagnosis, better detection of drug-resistant TB, and earlier treatment. For health workers, it makes decision-making easier. For patients, it brings hope—and a quicker path to getting better.

But ending TB is not just about hospitals and machines. It also depends on communities. Across Tanzania, community health workers, civil society groups, and TB survivors are helping to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek care early and complete their treatment.

One TB survivor, Tausi Muhohoro put it simply:

“Tuberculosis can be treated, and people can fully recover. If you know someone who has been coughing for more than a week or shows signs of TB, please support them and help them get checked at the nearest health facility.”

Reaching a TB-free future will take continued effort. Governments need to keep investing in health systems. Partners and donors must help close funding gaps. And communities must stay involved driving awareness and supporting those affected.

From laboratories in Kigoma to communities across the country, Tanzania is showing that progress is possible. With strong leadership, sustained investment, and community involvement, ending TB is no longer out of reach it is achievable.

As WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, reminds us:

“Yes, we can end TB: led by countries, powered by people.”

Building on this momentum, WHO Country Representative to Tanzania, Dr Alex Gasasira, highlighted new efforts being introduced this year to improve TB diagnosis and access to care.

“WHO is introducing new recommendations to help close gaps in TB diagnosis, including easier testing methods like tongue swabs and more affordable, portable diagnostic tools that can reach people in remote areas,” he said.

WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Health to roll out these innovations and strengthen Tanzania’s response to TB.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

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Uganda: World Health Organization (WHO) field coordination turns zero dose data into targeted action to reach every child

Source: APO – Report:

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Across the hills and lowland communities of Eastern Uganda, strengthened collaboration is transforming how routine immunisation and public health emergencies are addressed. In many of the 16 districts and one city that make up the Mbale Region, children in remote, hard-to-reach areas continue to face challenges in accessing life-saving vaccines. 

Through community-driven insights, committed district leadership, and sustained field coordination from the World Health Organization (WHO), partners have successfully turned data into meaningful action, extending services to children who had long remained underserved.

A major turning point came when the African Network for Care of Children Affected by HIV/AIDS (ANECCA) conducted extensive mapping of zero-dose and under-immunised children in Mbale, Tororo, and Kibuku districts. Going door to door, ANECCA teams identified children who were not captured in the routine immunisation system and highlighted health facilities struggling to deliver essential services. 

When WHO’s field coordination team received these findings, they acted quickly. Working alongside ANECCA and district leaders, WHO helped transform the data into targeted interventions. Joint supportive supervision visits were conducted in poorly performing facilities; health workers were assisted in identifying bottlenecks; and Village Health Teams and community influencers were mobilised to increase immunisation uptake.

With logistical support from WHO, teams reached hard-to-access facilities in Budwale, Wanale, and Merikit, even during heavy rains and difficult terrain. This support ensured that communities facing the steepest barriers were not left behind. 

Reflecting on the experience, Hilary Chelangat Ruth from ANECCA noted, “Basically, we are strengthening integration and collaboration now. Without you, some activities would have been so hard for us to implement. Just imagine those rainy days moving to Budwale and Wanale on a boda boda. WHO really did us well.”

Building on this momentum, the WHO field team expanded collaboration with District Health Teams in Pallisa, Sironko, and Butaleja districts, as well as Mbale City. Using the Reach Every District/Reach Every Child (RED/REC) categorisation approach, the team worked with district leaders to identify facilities most in need of support. 

Over time, they visited 28 facilities and conducted detailed assessments using the WHO Open Data Kit. These assessments helped document service delivery gaps, review immunisation performance, and develop immediate corrective actions. 

Health workers were supported in interpreting vaccination monitoring charts, improving data accuracy, and expanding the number of static immunisation sessions available to families throughout the week. At every facility, district Expanded Programme on Immunisation focal persons and assistant district health officers played an active role, ensuring strong district ownership and sustained follow up.

Alongside efforts to strengthen routine immunisation, the region also experienced several public health emergencies that required rapid WHO involvement. When measles outbreaks occurred in Butaleja and Bulambuli, the WHO coordinator joined the Regional Emergency Operations Centre to guide outbreak investigations, lead root cause analyses, and coordinate response actions with partners such as Baylor Uganda. 

This support helped reinforce district emergency response systems and ensured the timely implementation of control measures. Suspected anthrax outbreaks in Kween, as well as floods and landslides in Kween, Kapchorwa, and Bukwo, triggered additional WHO deployments. In each case, WHO provided technical leadership, facilitated coordination among national, regional, and district structures, and supported a harmonised response in areas affected by difficult terrain and rapidly changing conditions.

Together, these achievements show how partnerships and integration, driven by a shared commitment to ensure no child is left behind, make a difference. ANECCA’s community-level mapping illuminated the realities of children missing essential services, while WHO translated these insights into coordinated, district-led action. 

District Health Teams and Village Health Teams ensured that solutions were relevant and grounded in community needs. Through this collaboration, health systems in Eastern Uganda have grown stronger, communities have gained better access to essential services, and children who were once unreachable are now closer than ever to receiving the life-saving protection they deserve.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.