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Today, we join the global community in commemorating World Blood Donor Day, a moment to honour the generosity of blood donors and reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure access to safe blood for all who need it. This year’s theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives,” captures a simple but powerful truth: every blood donation reflects the essence of our common humanity, solidarity, compassion, and care for one another.

Hypertension is rising rapidly across the WHO African Region, driven by urbanization, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol and tobacco. This trend poses a growing threat to health, well-being and sustainable development.

On this World Health Day, Africa joins the global call: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The longer lives, effective prevention and life-saving treatments we value today are the result of decades of scientific progress. Across Africa, science is driving practical solutions that improve lives and contribute to global health.

Every 83 seconds, tuberculosis (TB) claims a life in the WHO African Region. In 2024 alone, TB killed 378 000 people and infected 2.7 million more, representing one quarter of the global burden. Yet, amidst this crisis lies an unprecedented opportunity.

On World Oral Health Day 2026, we turn our attention to a silent but widespread health challenge affecting communities across the WHO African Region. Oral diseases are among the most common and preventable health conditions, yet they remain one of the most neglected areas of public health.

Today, on World Hearing Day 2026, we join the global community in recognizing the importance of ear and hearing care, and in reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that every child in Africa can learn, communicate and thrive without preventable barriers.

Cancer is no longer a silent crisis in Africa. It is a growing public health emergency that demands urgent, equitable and sustained action.