African Women Network

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  • Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among Africa’s Most Influential Women for Sixth Consecutive Year

    Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among Africa’s Most Influential Women for Sixth Consecutive Year

    Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and founder of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, has once again been honored among the 100 Most Influential African Women.

    This marks her sixth consecutive year on the prestigious list, in recognition of her unwavering efforts to transform healthcare systems, champion women’s rights, and expand educational access for girls across Africa and beyond.

    Dr. Kelej is widely admired for her dynamic leadership, deep cultural awareness, and commitment to social change. Her work has earned her the respect and trust of African governments, First Ladies, medical professionals, and grassroots communities alike.

    “I am truly honored to receive this recognition once again, especially alongside distinguished women leaders like the President of Tanzania and the President-Elect of Namibia. Congratulations to all the remarkable women recognized,” she said.

    A Leader Collaborating Directly with African Governments and First Ladies

    Dr. Kelej has cultivated long-term partnerships with over 27 African First Ladies, many of whom serve as Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation. She actively works with governments to co-design healthcare and social programs tailored to national priorities. Unlike many executives who remain distant from field operations, Dr. Kelej is consistently present on the ground, engaging directly with presidents, ministers, and communities.

    Why Leaders Respect Her Work:

    • She co-develops sustainable policies with local ownership.
    • Her programs are designed for long-term impact, not short-term charity.
    • She helps elevate African leaders’ global recognition in health and gender advocacy.

    A Vocal Advocate for Women’s Rights and Infertility Awareness

    Through her flagship “More Than a Mother” campaign, Dr. Kelej has led efforts to end the social stigma around infertility, especially affecting women. She supports women through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs and offers scholarships for female doctors.

    Why Women Admire Her:

    • She directly addresses taboo topics like infertility, gender-based violence, and child marriage.
    • She empowers women with practical tools—training, funding, and visibility.
    • She helps change the narrative, highlighting that infertility is not solely a woman’s issue.

    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Specialized Scholarships

    Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has awarded over 2,100 scholarships to doctors from 55 countries in 44 critical medical specialties, including oncology, endocrinology, fertility, cardiology, psychiatry, and more.

    Why Medical Professionals Value Her Impact:

    • She invests in specialized healthcare education.
    • Her programs reduce reliance on foreign expertise.
    • Trained doctors remain in their countries, helping to build self-reliant healthcare systems.

    Example: In countries that previously had no oncologists, patients can now access cancer care locally, thanks to Merck Foundation scholarships.

    A Grassroots-Focused Leader

    Dr. Kelej actively engages with communities, not just policy makers. She listens to the voices of grassroots organizations, women’s groups, and youth. She also supports African creatives—including journalists, musicians, and fashion designers—who use their platforms to raise awareness on health and social issues.

    Why Communities Embrace Her:

    • She is accessible and empathetic, not just symbolic.
    • She empowers local influencers to be agents of change.
    • She respects local traditions while promoting progress.

    A Passionate, Relatable Role Model

    Dr. Kelej is known for her energetic, charismatic leadership style. She regularly travels to African nations, participates in local events, and directly connects with beneficiaries of Merck Foundation programs.

    Why She Inspires Trust:

    • She leads by example and is deeply involved on the ground.
    • She inspires the next generation of African women leaders.
    • Her passion is visible in every project she touches.

    Elevating African Voices on the Global Stage

    Dr. Kelej has made the Merck Foundation one of Africa’s most recognized philanthropic platforms. She consistently amplifies the achievements of First Ladies and health professionals across international forums.

    Why African Leaders Collaborate With Her:

    • She aligns her programs with national priorities.
    • She ensures African countries are seen as leaders, not aid recipients.
    • She builds platforms for global recognition of local achievements.

    Empowering the Next Generation

    As an African woman leader, Dr. Kelej serves as a powerful role model for young people. She encourages youth to pursue careers in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and advocacy—emphasizing education, self-reliance, and innovation.

    Why Young Africans Look Up to Her:

    • She shows that women can lead in healthcare and philanthropy.
    • She uplifts emerging talents through mentoring and training.
    • She promotes Africa-driven development solutions.

    Dr. Rasha Kelej continues to inspire through her transformative leadership, grassroots engagement, and passionate advocacy. Her recognition as one of Africa’s Most Influential Women reinforces her enduring impact on healthcare, gender equality, and social progress across the continent.

  • UN Women Reaffirms Commitments to Gender Equality at ARFSD-11

    UN Women Reaffirms Commitments to Gender Equality at ARFSD-11

    At a parallel session during the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), UN Women, in collaboration with government officials, civil society, the private sector, and youth organizations, reinforced their dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

    The session emphasised the need for inclusive, integrated, and gender-sensitive strategies to drive progress toward SDG 5 and Agenda 2063.

    This platform offered an opportunity to evaluate achievements, confront ongoing challenges, and map out transformative gender-focused development paths aligned with the ambitions of Agenda 2063. Speakers and attendees alike stressed the importance of embedding gender perspectives into planning, budgeting, and resource distribution. Integrating gender in public policies and institutions was seen as vital to removing systemic barriers and ensuring women and girls are actively included in Africa’s development.

    Expanding women’s access to financial services—such as credit, entrepreneurial opportunities, and financial education—was identified as a priority. Panelists emphasized the need for innovative financial solutions developed through public-private partnerships to empower women economically and socially.

    A shared concern was the disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women, which hinders their economic participation. To address this, stakeholders advocated for greater investment in care services, adoption of family-friendly work policies, and formal recognition of care workers. These steps were seen as crucial to facilitating women’s full entry into the workforce.

    Digital inclusion was another focal point. Increasing access to affordable digital tools and expanding digital literacy programs for women and girls were recommended to bridge the gender digital divide and unlock new opportunities in the digital economy.

    Youth inclusion—particularly of young women—in decision-making processes was also emphasized. Stakeholders viewed intergenerational participation as essential for building inclusive, equitable, and resilient development strategies.

    The forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to ending gender-based violence through comprehensive, multisectoral prevention and response frameworks. Participants called for holistic strategies to eliminate violence, viewing it as a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality.

    With the climate crisis worsening existing inequalities, the session highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive climate actions. Equitable access to land, technology, and green jobs was seen as vital for building inclusive, climate-resilient economies. Throughout the session, the importance of partnerships—across sectors and regions—was a recurring theme, with calls to strengthen collaboration among governments, civil society, businesses, and international partners.

    The session also spotlighted several entrenched and emerging challenges hindering progress:

    • Economic inequality
    • Lack of female representation in leadership
    • Disproportionate care responsibilities
    • Gender-based violence
    • Limited digital access
    • Increased vulnerability to climate impacts

    Stakeholders were encouraged to address these issues by applying a gender lens to traditionally overlooked sectors like transportation, urban planning, and infrastructure. Doing so would help create safer and more inclusive spaces for women and marginalized populations.

    The need for decolonizing research and promoting community-led, participatory knowledge development was also raised. Advocates called for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems and the elevation of women and girls as both researchers and knowledge holders. A feminist research framework—centered on lived experiences, transformative policy change, and amplifying marginalized voices—was proposed.

    Participants stressed the importance of Africa speaking with one unified voice in global arenas to ensure gender equality priorities are clearly presented. Strategic investments in care services, infrastructure, green jobs, and social safety nets were deemed essential to promoting inclusive growth and embedding gender equality in Africa’s development agenda.

    The session closed with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, reinforcing the continent’s determination to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. The discussions laid out a bold vision of collective action, mutual responsibility, and leadership centered on gender equity.

  • Young Kenyan Parliamentarians Lead the Charge for Gender Equality in Leadership

    Young Kenyan Parliamentarians Lead the Charge for Gender Equality in Leadership


    The Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) has committed to supporting the call for gender equality in leadership.


    At a retreat held in Naivasha, Nakuru County, KYPA members pledged to be champions for women’s leadership, calling on male leaders across the country to mentor, support, and elevate women into key decision-making positions.


    KYPA Chairperson Hon. John Mukunji (Manyatta) led the charge, saying,
    “It’s not enough to believe in women’s leadership—we must actively open doors for women to lead. Men must be the allies who pave the way.”


    The event, organized by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) alongside the Institute of Public Finance (IPF) under the SPALTA program, aimed to build a stronger, gender-inclusive leadership movement in Parliament.


    Through interactive sessions and practical learning, lawmakers from KYPA and KEWOPA collaborated on real strategies to boost women’s participation in politics.


    Hon. Mukunji emphasized that political parties must take concrete actions to mainstream women’s leadership—not just talk about it.


    The retreat highlighted critical measures such as mentoring, supporting women’s candidacies, enforcing gender-sensitive policies, and ensuring that women have equal access to leadership training and opportunities.


    This powerful commitment shows that young Kenyan leaders are serious about driving change—one mentorship, one opportunity, and one empowered woman at a time.

  • Angola Partners With WHO To End Cholera Outbreak

    Angola Partners With WHO To End Cholera Outbreak

    The Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners, has implemented a series of urgent response measures to combat the cholera outbreak in Angola.

    During a recent meeting, the Honourable Minister of Health of the Republic of Angola, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, formally welcomed the newly appointed WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika. This meeting marked the beginning of a renewed partnership between the Government of Angola and WHO, focusing on intensifying the national response to the ongoing cholera situation.

    Dr. Hazarika expressed WHO’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Government of Angola through comprehensive and strategic interventions. These measures include enhanced multisectoral coordination, improved case management, strengthened surveillance and case detection, as well as robust risk communication and community engagement. This collaboration is particularly critical as Angola faces a complex public health landscape, characterized by endemic diseases, communicable and non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and the cholera outbreak that has now affected 17 of the 21 provinces in the country.

    Since the outbreak began in January 2025, more than 14,000 cholera cases and 505 associated deaths have been reported, with 50% of the cases involving individuals under the age of 20. The Ministry of Health, in coordination with WHO and other partners, has undertaken several urgent response measures, including deploying rapid response teams, training health personnel, establishing cholera treatment centers and units, providing safe drinking water, engaging communities intensively, and rolling out targeted vaccination campaigns.

    Minister Lutucuta expressed deep concern over the rising number of cases and the tragic loss of life. “Throughout this challenging period, the World Health Organization has stood by us as a steadfast and valued partner, providing unwavering support at every level. However, we are deeply saddened to witness a continued rise in both cases and fatalities, especially among children and young people,” she stated. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for strengthened multisectoral collaboration and coordinated action to curb the outbreak and protect public health.

    Dr. Hazarika reaffirmed WHO’s long-standing commitment to supporting Angola in its efforts to control cholera and to strengthen the health system for greater resilience. “We are grateful for the Ministry’s openness and leadership in this response. While the outbreak is indeed concerning, it also presents a vital opportunity for us to work together to reinforce health systems and enhance long-term emergency preparedness. Our shared goal remains a healthier and more resilient Angola,” he affirmed.

    The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the need to intensify the response and maintain momentum to bring the outbreak under control. Angola has successfully contained previous cholera outbreaks, and through decisive leadership, multisectoral coordination, and strategic partnerships, the country is well-positioned to overcome this challenge once again.

    Looking ahead, national efforts will focus on integrated strategies to strengthen health systems and prevent future outbreaks. These strategies include improving access to quality care, ensuring access to safe water, promoting hygiene and sanitation practices, and continuing investments in health. The combined efforts of the Government of Angola, WHO, other UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector will be crucial in safeguarding the health and well-being of all Angolans.

  • Five Crucial Facts About Femicide

    Five Crucial Facts About Femicide


    Femicide is defined as an intentional killing motivated by gender-related factors. This distinction sets it apart from homicide, where motivations may not necessarily relate to gender. Femicide is driven by the discrimination against women and girls, unequal power relations, harmful gender stereotypes, and social norms. It is the most extreme manifestation of violence against women and girls, which exists on a continuum that includes various forms of violence, such as intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and other sexual violence, as well as harmful practices and trafficking.

    1. Women and Girls Are Most Likely to Be Killed by Those Closest to Them
      In 2023, approximately 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by intimate partners or family members, including fathers, mothers, uncles, and brothers. This statistic translates to an average of 140 women or girls killed every day by someone within their own family. Current and former intimate partners are responsible for around 60 percent of all intimate partner and family-related killings.

    It is important to note that only gender-related killings committed by an intimate partner or family member are typically counted as femicides, although such killings can occur in various contexts outside the private sphere. They may stem from rape or sexual violence committed by an unknown person, be linked to harmful practices such as female genital mutilation or so-called honor killings, arise from hate crimes related to sexual orientation or gender identity, or be associated with armed conflict, gangs, human trafficking, and other forms of organized crime. This year recorded the highest number of femicides perpetrated by intimate partners or family members, emphasizing the urgent need for early intervention, gender-responsive policing and justice, and survivor-centered support and protection.

    1. Femicide Is a Universal Problem
      Femicide is a global crisis affecting women and girls in every country and territory. The 2023 report indicates that Africa recorded the largest absolute and relative numbers of female intimate partner and family-related killings, with an estimated 21,700 victims (2.9 victims per 100,000). The Americas and Oceania also reported high rates of intimate partner/family-related femicide in 2023, at 1.6 and 1.5 per 100,000 respectively, while Asia and Europe had significantly lower rates (0.8 and 0.6 per 100,000, respectively).
    2. The True Scale of Femicide Is Likely Much Higher
      Although the reported numbers are alarmingly high, they represent only the tip of the iceberg. Many femicide victims go uncounted; for approximately four in ten intentional murders of women and girls, there is insufficient information to classify them as gender-related killings due to differences in criminal justice recording and investigation practices across countries. To accurately understand and respond to the true scale of this issue, comprehensive disaggregated data is essential. To improve data collection, UNODC and UN Women developed a statistical framework for measuring the gender-related killing of women and girls (femicide/feminicide), which was approved by the United Nations Statistical Commission in March 2022. Behind each statistic, there is a woman or girl whose life has been tragically ended due to male violence, misogyny, and social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
    3. Certain Groups of Women and Girls Face Greater Risks
      Women in the public eye, such as politicians, human rights defenders, and journalists, frequently become targets of deliberate violence, both online and offline, with some cases resulting in fatal outcomes. Women environmental defenders have been prominent in at least a quarter of all socio-environmental conflicts worldwide, and they have been killed in 81 of those conflicts. In 2023, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that women human rights defenders were targeted for both their work and their gender, both online and offline, documenting at least 34 women human rights defenders who were killed.

  • Innovative Video Game Brings Gene Drive Technology to Life in Africa’s Fight Against Malaria

    Innovative Video Game Brings Gene Drive Technology to Life in Africa’s Fight Against Malaria

    Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium leading the development of genetic technologies for malaria control, recently hosted a live demonstration of its groundbreaking educational video game, dubbed Target Malaria: The Game. This interactive tool is significantly transforming the way complex scientific concepts are communicated, making advanced genetic technologies both accessible and engaging for users of all ages.

    Initially launched in late 2024, this educational game immerses players in the pivotal role of a laboratory technician working on genetically modified mosquitoes—an innovative strategy explored for controlling malaria vectors and ultimately eradicating the disease in Africa. The game introduces players, regardless of their scientific background, to essential tools and methodologies used in molecular biology through two in-depth modules: “Microinjection” and “Transgenic Screening.”

    In the “Microinjection” module, players simulate the delicate process of injecting a DNA solution into mosquito embryos, mimicking real-life laboratory techniques vital for genetic engineering. In “Transgenic Screening,” players engage in sorting fluorescent, genetically modified mosquito larvae, a process crucial for identifying successful gene modifications.

    “This isn’t just a game; it’s a powerful capacity-building tool,” emphasizes Louise Marston, Senior Research Technician for Target Malaria at the Crisanti Lab within Imperial College London and the visionary behind the game. “We are showing how a digital platform can bring scientific discovery to life, even in regions where internet connectivity is limited or inconsistent.”

    Developed in collaboration with independent game developer Michael Marston, the game features a design specifically tailored for low-spec systems and low-bandwidth environments. This is a critical feature for regions in Africa where reliable internet access is often a challenge. By making the game widely accessible, it serves as a valuable resource for science educators and trainers working in rural and underserved areas.

    A recent report highlights that Africa’s gaming industry has become the fastest-growing in the world, boasting over 186 million gamers across the continent as of 2024. A significant portion of these gamers are under 30, providing an exceptional opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of scientists through familiar gaming platforms.

    “Gaming is a universal language that resonates with young people. Target Malaria: The Game harnesses that enthusiasm to ignite curiosity, deliver foundational knowledge in molecular biology, and enhance overall scientific literacy,” Marston adds.

    This initiative is a key component of a broader suite of creative initiatives employed by Target Malaria to promote awareness about the potential of gene editing for malaria control and to educate the public about gene drive technology, which is currently in development. In addition to the game, other resources include Mozzie Drive, a card game that educates players about malaria transmission and control, Swarm, an audio art experience that communicates gene modification concepts through sound, and interactive theater performances held in various countries, including Burkina Faso. Together, these tools facilitate trust, transparency, and understanding among communities and stakeholders impacted by malaria.

    Target Malaria regularly organizes science café meetings, providing a platform where these educational tools are presented to communities directly affected by malaria, particularly those that are most at risk.

    “We encourage universities, schools, and laboratories to adopt this tool not just for raising awareness but also for practical training. It effectively brings laboratory concepts into classrooms, helping to demystify many misconceptions surrounding science and biotechnology,” adds Jean Birba, Stakeholder Engagement Officer at Target Malaria Burkina Faso.

    *Target Malaria is currently available in both English and French and functions seamlessly on various gaming PCs, as well as low-spec systems. In the near future, the research consortium plans to launch a beta version for Mac users and a mobile edition to broaden accessibility.

    “Engaging stakeholders at all levels is a fundamental part of our responsible research approach. The game exemplifies our commitment to transparency, inclusion, and education regarding gene drive technology in our fight against malaria. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible and encourage them to download, play, and share the game,” concludes Birba.

  • Health ministers launch Polio Vaccination Campaign to Protect 83 Million Children in the Lake Chad Basin

    Health ministers launch Polio Vaccination Campaign to Protect 83 Million Children in the Lake Chad Basin

    In a renewed initiative to eradicate circulating variant poliovirus type 2 within the Lake Chad Basin, the Ministers of Health from five countries—Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Niger, and Nigeria—have collaboratively launched a synchronized regional vaccination campaign.

    This initiative aims to protect approximately 83 million children under the age of five, a demographic particularly vulnerable to the severe consequences of polio. The campaign represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat variant poliovirus type 2, which continues to pose a substantial health threat to children across this critical region of Africa.

    Over the past twelve months, variant poliovirus type 2 has been detected in both environmental samples, specifically wastewater, and among individuals with clinical symptoms in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. A total of 210 cases have been documented across these four nations, with 140 instances resulting in paralysis, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. While there have been no reported cases in the CAR thus far, these findings emphasize the persistent risk of cross-border transmission and the necessity for coordinated regional responses to effectively manage the threat.

    Significantly, more than 50% of the polio cases reported in Chad during 2024 have been traced back to the strain currently circulating in Cameroon, underscoring the critical importance of cooperative and synchronized polio intervention efforts. This interconnectedness illustrates how effective immunization strategies must take into account the broader regional context.

    In the previous year, nearly 12 million children were immunized through extensive mass vaccination campaigns specifically designed to halt the transmission of the virus. To further bolster immunity levels and mitigate the risk of transmission, a synchronized polio vaccination campaign has been scheduled to take place from April 24 to April 28, 2025. This campaign will strategically target high-risk and mobile populations residing in border areas where existing surveillance indicators have consistently remained below the desired thresholds. This initiative forms part of a larger, comprehensive strategy that ensures all children receive adequate protection, irrespective of their geographic location or movement patterns.

    The vaccination campaign will mobilize approximately 1.1 million frontline workers, including trained vaccinators, social mobilizers, and monitoring personnel, all committed to the goal of safeguarding every child. These individuals will play a crucial role in both the administration of vaccines and the communication of vital health information within the communities they serve.

    “The Lake Chad Basin remains a pivotal region in our efforts to combat polio. Through united collaboration as a regional bloc, we can reinforce our commitment to definitively eradicating polio,” stated Hon. Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, the Minister of Health of Chad.

    To accompany this launch, the Ministers of Health will engage in a closed-door meeting to discuss existing challenges, analyze epidemiological data, and strengthen cross-border cooperation. This gathering aligns with the Africa Regional Polio Eradication Action Plan and the Polio Eradication Cross-Border Coordination Plan for 2024–2025, which was endorsed in August 2024 and has been subsequently updated in February 2025 to reflect the evolving epidemiological landscape. This adaptability underscores the region’s collective commitment to the protection of every child from vaccine-preventable diseases.

    Global health partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, and Rotary International, will participate actively in this collective effort, reaffirming their dedication to the elimination of polio. Community health workers, local leaders, and volunteers will also play an indispensable role in ensuring the success of the campaign. The timing of this initiative coincides with African Vaccination Week, which will be held under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” aiming to raise awareness and mobilize community support for immunization efforts.

    The polio eradication initiative in the Lake Chad Basin exemplifies the power of collaborative action in global health. By pooling resources and expertise, governments, partners, and communities can work synergistically to secure a polio-free future for all children in the region and beyond.

  • Eritrea: Workshop Focuses on Preventing Maternal and Child Mortality and Eliminating Harmful Practices

    Eritrea: Workshop Focuses on Preventing Maternal and Child Mortality and Eliminating Harmful Practices

    On April 9, a significant workshop was held in Mendefera, bringing together key stakeholders to address the urgent issue of maternal and child mortality in the South Region of Eritrea.

    Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, the Administrator of the South Region, called on government entities, particularly local administrations, to implement concrete measures aimed at preventing maternal and child mortality and eliminating harmful practices that pose risks to women’s health.

    In his keynote address, Mr. Habteab emphasized the critical importance of collaboration across all government sectors. He identified underage marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) as two of the most pressing contributors to complications during childbirth, which can lead to preventable deaths. He urged participants to adopt strict regulations to eliminate these detrimental traditions, underscoring their significant impact on maternal health.

    Mr. Amanuel Mihreteab, the Director of the Health Branch for the region, conveyed that the overarching goal of this workshop is to reduce maternal and child mortality rates to zero. He highlighted alarming statistics indicating that many deaths stem from a lack of medical check-ups during pregnancy and after delivery, as well as from deliveries taking place outside of medical facilities. He noted the particular challenges faced by women in remote areas, where access to health facilities is severely limited, and recommended the establishment of waiting rooms for expectant mothers in all health centers to provide a safe place for them to await childbirth.

    Furthermore, Mr. Asefaw Negasi, Head of the Mother and Child Safety Unit, shared encouraging news that the proportion of mothers delivering in health facilities has risen to 60 percent over the past year. He attributed this positive trend to ongoing public awareness campaigns and the recent construction of waiting rooms in select health centers, which have made a significant difference in accessibility.

    Mr. Kalab Tesfasilassie, the Director General of the Department of Social Services in the region, reinforced the idea that the health of mothers and children is fundamental to the well-being of society as a whole. He reiterated the dangers posed by underage marriage and FGM, urging participants to consider effective, practical strategies to eliminate these harmful practices and ensure a healthier future for mothers and their children in Eritrea.

  • WHO partners with the Ministry of Health, to celebrate World Health Day in Kajiado County

    WHO partners with the Ministry of Health, to celebrate World Health Day in Kajiado County

    WHO Kenya partnered with the Ministry of Health, Kajiado County leaders, health partners, and community members to celebrate World Health Day. This year’s theme is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focusing on efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths while prioritizing women’s long-term health and well-being.

    The event was led by Kajiado’s Deputy Governor, Hon. Martin Moshisho Martine, who praised the strong collaboration with WHO Kenya. In his remarks, Deputy Governor Martine highlighted the significant improvements the county has made in reproductive and maternal health. The number of service delivery points increased from 100 in 2018 to 134 in 2025, resulting in an increase in immunization coverage for children under one year from 78% to 95%. Furthermore, skilled deliveries in a safe environment rose from 64% in 2018 to 83% in 2024. There was also an increase in enrollment for the Social Health Insurance, which has brought services closer to mothers.
    “We are proud of the progress made and are ready to do even more,” he stated.

    Ms. Patricia Wamala, speaking on behalf of WHO Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, reminded everyone that “investing in maternal and newborn health is not a cost—it’s an investment in a healthier, more prosperous future.” She emphasized that the well-being of mothers and newborns is the foundation of healthy societies. “Let’s close the care gap and ensure every birth is safe and supported,” she urged.

    Dr. Luigi D’Acquino, Chief of Health for UNICEF Kenya, also reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to the cause: “UNICEF stands with WHO and the Ministry of Health to ensure every child’s right to life is upheld. This year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health aligns with our core mission: protecting children’s rights from the very beginning,” he stated.

    As part of the event, WHO Kenya donated 50 Mama Kits and 50 Dignity Kits to enhance the facility’s capacity to provide quality maternal and newborn services. Mama Kits contain essential items for mothers and newborns, while Dignity Kits support the hygiene needs of women and girls with items such as sanitary pads, soap, and personal care supplies. WHO Kenya staff also participated in cleaning the maternal and child health unit at the hospital, interacting with mothers, health care workers, and community members to listen to and learn from their experiences.

    This World Health Day was not only a celebration but also a moment to reflect on progress and reaffirm collective efforts toward building a healthier future for all.

  • WHO Supports Training of Frontline Health Workers in Sierra Leone

    WHO Supports Training of Frontline Health Workers in Sierra Leone

    In a concerted effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B (known as Triple Elimination), Sierra Leone has strengthened its healthcare workforce through targeted training of frontline health workers in the cities of Makeni and Bo.

    The training which took place from March 10 to 14, 2025, aimed at equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills required to deliver integrated Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) services within maternal and child health (MCH) platforms. A total of 80 participants—comprising Maternal and Child Health Aides, Senior Enrolled Community Health Nurses, Midwives, Community Health Officers, and HIV Counselors—attended the training, with 40 participants in each location.

    The training equipped participants with practical skills to provide integrated services for EMTCT of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. This included screening and treating pregnant women, as well as timely testing and treatment for exposed infants. Participants also learned about hepatitis B vaccination and how to ensure effective linkage to care. Overall, the training enhanced healthcare workers’ ability to deliver comprehensive and essential EMTCT services.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) provided technical support to ensure the training aligned with global best practices. WHO’s contributions included reviewing training materials, facilitating sessions, and offering expert guidance on effective EMTCT strategies, clinical case management, and service integration.
    This initiative was funded by the Global Fund and addressed critical gaps identified in a rapid EMTCT cascade analysis conducted in June 2024. This analysis revealed significant service delivery challenges: only 77 out of every 100 newly diagnosed women living with HIV were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during their first antenatal care (ANC) visit, only 36 out of every 100 HIV-positive women delivered in health facilities, and up to 30 out of 100 infants tested positive for HIV at 18 months. Furthermore, stock-outs of HIV and syphilis testing kits, data integrity issues, and weak laboratory systems exacerbated these challenges, undermining the overall performance of the Triple Elimination program.

    This initiative reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to global EMTCT targets and improving maternal and child health. Immediate outcomes from the training include enhanced capacity of frontline healthcare workers to deliver integrated triple elimination services, stronger coordination between MCH and disease-specific programs to optimize service delivery, and improved preparedness in healthcare facilities to offer timely testing, treatment, and prevention interventions.

    Reflecting on the impact of the training, Sr. Roberta Macauley, the District Health Sister (DHS1) in Falaba District, stated, “This training has enhanced my knowledge and skills, providing up-to-date information on prevention, transmission, and care. Though I don’t work directly with patients, I now have a stronger foundation in counseling, understanding the necessary steps before treatment, and reinforcing prevention strategies. When I’m in the field for supervision, I will know what to look for.”

    Similarly, Annie Morlai, a Senior Enrolled Community Health Nurse at Kombayandeh Community Health Centre in Kono District, highlighted the importance of ongoing support: “If we, as health workers, do the right thing at our facilities for all HIV-positive women, we can build a future with an HIV-negative population and a healthier nation. To achieve this, we need regular support from our national and district teams to monitor our progress and ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines and test kits.”

    To maintain the gains achieved from this training, ongoing mentorship and supportive supervision for trained healthcare workers will be essential. Strengthening supply chain management to ensure the continuous availability of HIV test kits, ART, and other essential commodities remains a priority. Additionally, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be critical for tracking progress, identifying gaps, and informing future policy and programmatic decisions.

    Investing in healthcare workforce development remains a key priority for the WHO, the Ministry of Health, and their partners. Strengthening human resource capacity will be crucial to sustaining progress toward EMTCT and improving long-term health outcomes for women and children in Sierra Leone.