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Health Update: latest medical news in Africa and around the world
Each week, AFROCARE selects essential news to better inform, prevent and care. This edition: polio, Bundibugyo, child wasting and climate.
AFROCARE Health Network · Health update
The Health Update of 24 August 2026 brings together four stories from WHO and Africa CDC. The aim is clear, sourced information useful to families and to professionals in the AFROCARE network.
Five African countries end polio outbreaks
On 19 August 2026, WHO Africa announced that Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda have interrupted transmission of type 2 poliovirus outbreaks.
This progress underlines the value of routine vaccination and surveillance. In Senegal as elsewhere, every child should receive the doses set out in the vaccination schedule.
- Source: WHO Africa, 19 August 2026
DRC: response to Bundibugyo virus disease grows stronger
On 20 August 2026, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation of Ebola vaccines to the DRC to support the response to Bundibugyo virus disease and protect at-risk populations.
Cooperation between countries and institutions remains decisive against haemorrhagic fevers. Rapid community information helps limit spread.
- Source: WHO and Africa CDC, 20 August 2026
Fight against child wasting: eleven African countries take action
Health officials from eleven African countries have completed a regional review to strengthen prevention and management of child wasting.
Wasting threatens children’s survival and development. Early screening, appropriate nutrition and access to nearby care are responses that must be scaled up.
- Source: WHO Africa, 22 August 2026
Climate, health and displacement: WHO sets new research priorities
WHO has launched new global research priorities on the links between climate, health, migration and population displacement.
Droughts, floods and population movements change health risks. Anticipating these effects helps health systems protect communities better.
- Source: WHO, 5 August 2026
AFROCARE’s perspective
These updates show that better health is built every day through prevention, cooperation and information. Together, let’s build a healthier Africa.
Inform, prevent, support, treat: that is AFROCARE’s line. Join the community and follow the network at afrocare.net.
Frequently asked questions
Where does this information come from?
It is based on public announcements from WHO Africa, WHO and Africa CDC dated August 2026. AFROCARE summarises them for the public and does not replace official statements.
What can people do in Senegal?
Vaccinate children according to the national schedule, seek a health facility at the first serious signs, and follow guidance from health authorities. The AFROCARE directory helps find a nearby partner.
Educational content. It does not replace a consultation, diagnosis, or treatment prescribed by a health professional.
