WHO South Africa

WHO South Africa This is the official page of the World Health Organization Country Office in South Africa

Global leadership united in South Africa this weekend for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first ever held on African soil. ...
24/11/2025

Global leadership united in South Africa this weekend for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first ever held on African soil. A historic moment for the continent and the world, strengthening political commitment to healthier, safer and more resilient societies.
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus engaged Heads of State, ministers and partners to emphasize that investing in health systems, primary health care, innovation and pandemic preparedness is not only a moral imperative, it is foundational to economic stability, social protection and global security.

The Summit concluded with the adoption of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, reaffirming solidarity, equality and sustainability as shared global priorities.

Ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, The Global Fund held its 8th Replenishment gathering in South Africa and secured a historic US $11.34 billion pledge to combat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and to strengthen global health security, signaling strong momentum for collective action.
As the world continues to navigate converging crises, WHO remains committed to supporting governments and working alongside communities, civil society and international partners to advance Health for All, leaving no one behind.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is in South Africa ahead of the G20 Leade...
21/11/2025

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is in South Africa ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Today he joined global leaders and partners at the Global Fund Replenishment Summit in Johannesburg convening heads of state and government where over US $11.3 billion was pledged to strengthen the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria.

For the first time, the world marks the commemoration of .Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer in wome...
17/11/2025

For the first time, the world marks the commemoration of .

Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer in women, despite being both preventable and curable when detected early.

This week, experts from the Eastern & Southern Africa Region are meeting in Cape Town to advance HPV vaccination for people living with HIV and strengthen evidence-based strategies to protect girls and prevent cervical cancer. A step toward safeguarding women and girl's health and accelerating progress toward elimination.

17/11/2025

It’s World Elimination Day

Cervical cancer could be the first cancer EVER in the world to be eliminated, if:
9️⃣0️⃣% of girls are vaccinated
7️⃣0️⃣% of women are screened
9️⃣0️⃣% of women with cervical cancer receive treatment

14/11/2025

It’s !

Millions across Africa face immense challenges in accessing essential diabetes care. The time to act is now!

World Health Organization (WHO) joined national authorities, partners, experts, and civil-society organisations at the D...
13/11/2025

World Health Organization (WHO) joined national authorities, partners, experts, and civil-society organisations at the Diabetes Summit 2025 to strengthen collaboration in tackling one of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges.

The Summit provided a platform for partners to review progress, exchange insights, and align efforts to advance diabetes prevention, early detection, and improved management. Sessions highlighted the need for stronger multisectoral coordination and practical solutions that support healthier communities.

WHO continues to work alongside government and partners to accelerate action on NCDs and contribute to a healthier, more resilient South Africa.

11/11/2025

Millions across Africa face immense challenges in accessing essential care.

The time to act is now! From strengthening health systems to scaling digital health solutions, we must improve access to life-saving services and prevent unnecessary suffering.

The G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa marks a historic milestone — the first-ever held on African soil. Worl...
07/11/2025

The G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa marks a historic milestone — the first-ever held on African soil.

World Health Organization (WHO) proudly participated alongside global health leaders, reaffirming our shared vision of solidarity, equality, and sustainability in building stronger health systems for all.

In his address, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended South Africa’s G20 Presidency for its leadership and outlined four priorities to advance global health:
• Strengthening Universal Health Coverage through a primary health care approach
• Adopting smarter health financing models
• Investing in the health and care workforce
• Protecting and prioritizing health in national budgets

These priorities align with WHO’s ongoing work in supporting countries to achieve because investing in health is investing in people, prosperity, and resilience.

This week, South Africa hosted the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg bringing t...
31/10/2025

This week, South Africa hosted the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg bringing together Ministers from Member States, Heads of Delegation from UN agencies and international organizations, and global advocates for gender equality.

The deliberations focused on advancing women’s health, promoting equal pay, expanding leadership opportunities, and strengthening women’s participation across sectors which are key priorities that drive progress toward Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirms its commitment to supporting governments and partners in fostering inclusive policies and creating environments where every woman and girl has the opportunity to live healthy, empowered, and fulfilling lives.

World Health Organization African Region Regional Director, Mohamed Janabi has arrived in South Africa for his first of...
20/10/2025

World Health Organization African Region Regional Director, Mohamed Janabi has arrived in South Africa for his first official visit to the country.
The visit underscores WHO’s continued partnership with the Government of South Africa in advancing national and regional health priorities.
Prof Janabi’s first engagement was a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, at National Department of Health (South Africa) where discussions focused on strengthening health systems and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage.

He also visited the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, witnessing how national investment in research and innovation is driving improvements in health service delivery.

The day concluded at FF Ribeiro Clinic in Pretoria —a model for people-centred primary health care where Prof Janabi met frontline health workers contributing to a stronger, fairer health system for all.

Completed a productive week-long contingency planning workshop (13–17 October 2025) led by the Eastern Cape Department o...
17/10/2025

Completed a productive week-long contingency planning workshop (13–17 October 2025) led by the Eastern Cape Department of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO), in East London.
The workshop focused on developing contingency plans for 12 high-risk hazards identified during the July 2025 STAR workshop, as well as the province’s Public Health Emergency Response Operations Plan (PHEROP).
These efforts represent a significant step toward enhancing preparedness, coordination, and resilience for public health emergencies, aligning provincial actions with national and WHO frameworks to better protect communities from preventable illness and loss of life.

Today, World Health Organization South Africa joined Department of Health in South Africa and the Gauteng Department o...
10/10/2025

Today, World Health Organization South Africa joined Department of Health in South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Health in marking at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

The commemoration included a walk-through of the psychiatric ward, powerful testimonies from people with lived experience, and strong messages of support from the Deputy Minister, MECs, and partners.

World Health Organization represented by Dr. kibachio joseph Mwangi. MD, PhD. Lead for NCDs and CDs emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health during crises and humanitarian settings, noting that emotional and psychological well-being are essential components of emergency response and recovery. He called for greater investment in mental health services and community-based support systems to ensure no one is left behind.

As part of its commitment, WHO continues to work with the National Department of Health and partners to:
✅ Integrate mental health into all aspects of health and development — because there is no health without mental health.
✅ Address the large treatment gap driven by stigma, social exclusion, and limited awareness.
✅ Strengthen mental health care at the primary health care level using WHO’s mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme) tools.
✅ Expand community-based services, peer support, and non-formal mechanisms for care.
✅ Focus on prevention, promotion, and addressing social determinants of mental health — including poverty, violence, inequality, and unemployment — through multisectoral collaboration.
✅ Build mental health preparedness and resilience in emergencies.
✅ Strengthen data, monitoring, and accountability for improved access and outcomes.
✅ Uphold the dignity and human rights of persons with severe mental health conditions.
✅ Promote innovation through digital and low-cost interventions.
✅ Ensure the meaningful involvement of persons with lived experience, their caregivers, and communities.

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