Monthly Archives: May 2026

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Launches the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the launch of the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics (ASAG), a new continental advisory mechanism established to provide independent, multidisciplinary, and trusted technical guidance on the strategic governance and implementation of genomics across Africa. The launch of ASAG marks a pivotal step…

Africa CDC and Ethiopia Officially Launch Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2026 to Advance Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (http://www.AfricaCDC.org) and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia officially launched the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2026, the continent’s foremost public health gathering. “The launch symbolises our determination to build a healthier and more resilient Africa, fully aligned with the aspirations…

A study quantifies for the first time in the European population the impact of socioeconomic inequality on temperature-related mortality

Regions with greater socioeconomic inequalities are more affected by cold weather, whereas areas with higher levels of wealth and urbanisation are at greater risk during heatwaves and lower risk during cold spells. This is shown by a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the ”la Caixa” Foundation.…

WHO Member States Pandemic Agreement Talks to Finalise PABS Annex

Delegates from member states of the returned to formal negotiations this week to continue discussions on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex, one of the most contested and central components of the proposed Pandemic Agreement. The resumed sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (IGWG6) follows a week of informal consultations held from April…

Africa Mercy Brings Life-Changing Surgeries Back to Madagascar After Cyclone Gezani

The hospital ship Africa Mercy® arrived in Toamasina yesterday, marking the sixth time that Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org) has visited the island nation since 1996. It is also her third consecutive field service to the country, reaffirming the strength of a growing partnership between Mercy Ships and the government of Madagascar. Following the recent devastation of…

Yumbe region reports surveillance gains amid tuberculosis and immunisation gaps

According to the Yumbe Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (Epi-Week 15, April 2026), the region is managing a complex public health landscape, with malaria remaining the leading cause of illness despite staying below epidemic thresholds. The recent launch of the Yumbe REOC Steering Committee marks a governance milestone, but administrative…

Bunyoro Region Surpasses Reporting Milestones Amidst Spreading Measles and Malaria Threats

According to the Bunyoro Regional Emergency Operations Centre Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (Epi-Week 16, April 13–19, 2026), the region has achieved a significant administrative victory by surpassing national targets for both completeness (89.9%) and timeliness (84%) of surveillance reporting for the first time this year. While this data transparency is a major win for the Ministry…

Malaria surge and treatment lapses strain western Uganda’s health response

According to the Ministry of Health’s Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin for the Fort Portal region, covering March 13–19, 2026, the sub-region faced significant public health pressures, led by a sustained malaria burden and multiple ongoing outbreaks. Malaria remains the leading cause of illness, with five of ten districts—Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kyegegwa, and Kyenjojo—reporting that more than…

Malaria Upsurge and Diverse Health Hurdles Face Mubende Region in Mid-April 2026

According to the Ministry of Health Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, Epi-Week 16 (13–19 April 2026), the Mubende region is currently grappling with a significant rise in malaria cases alongside various other critical public health challenges. Malaria has solidified its position as the leading epidemic-prone disease in the region, with…

Surveillance improves in West Nile, but malaria and zoonotic risks persist

Health surveillance systems in Uganda’s West Nile region are showing steady improvement, but high malaria transmission and growing concerns over zoonotic diseases continue to challenge local health services. According to the Arua Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, Epi-Week 16 (13–19 April 2026), reporting performance across the region has strengthened, with…