Cotonou, Benin — The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region has issued a bulletin highlighting the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health conditions, violence, injuries, and disability, which are threatening health and development across the continent.
The bulletin, dated April 27, 2026, underscores the challenges faced by African countries, including high levels of hypertension, diabetes, cancer, sickle cell disease, and mental health disorders, exacerbated by gaps in access to essential services, medicines, and technologies. Despite these challenges, the African Region demonstrates resilience, with Member States increasingly adopting WHO frameworks like the Package of Essential NCD Interventions (WHO PEN) and the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).
The bulletin also highlights the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) as a blueprint for women’s health in Africa. Dr. Benido Impouma, Director of the Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control Cluster at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, emphasizes the need for multisectoral action, emphasizing people-centered integrated care, stronger governance, expanded access to essential medicines, and scaled-up prevention across the life course.
The bulletin calls for a strategic period of support for Member States to prioritize NCDs and mental health, using digital innovation to build resilient systems and empower communities.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa Health
