Honoured to join President @CyrilRamaphosa & colleagues for launch of @CSIR’s FuturePharma facility. Warm congratulations to everyone behind this milestone. Humbled to share @ProfJanabi @WHOAFRO remarks & stress the importance of better access to medicines across Africa @DrTedros

Since the first media reports, @WHO has been actively following up on the reported death of a laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute in Irkutsk oblast, Russian Federation. The individual died on 2 October 2026 after being hospitalised with severe pneumonia. Initial media reports suggested pneumonic plague following an alleged accidental laboratory exposure. In response to WHO’s verification request under the International Health Regulations, the Russian health authorities reported that no case of plague had recently been registered in Irkutsk oblast. They informed WHO that an epidemiological investigation had been conducted, preventive and control measures implemented, and identified contacts placed under medical observation and tested. They reported that no high-threat pathogens had been detected among the contacts and that medical observation of all identified contacts had been completed. WHO has remained in contact with the Russian health authorities and has offered technical support. WHO has requested further information to clarify the cause of the severe pneumonia, the pathogen that prompted the public health measures, and media reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause. Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks.

Thank you @BUSPH & EWL’s “Off the Record” series for inviting me to share my journey. Alongside the voices & reflections of its many guests, I hope these conversations encourage the next generation of public health leaders to lead with purpose, courage & humility.

I am saddened by the death of a patient with Ebola in Kenya. The individual became ill while in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and travelled through Uganda before arriving in Kenya seeking care. I thank the Government of Kenya for its transparency and for promptly sharing information about this imported case. This is International Health Regulations (IHR) at work. Kenya's health authorities rapidly detected, isolated, and managed the patient in line with WHO recommendations. A few weeks ago, France also managed an imported Ebola case involving a French physician who had been working in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such cases demonstrate that imported infections can occur in an interconnected world and that strong surveillance and response systems are essential. All identified contacts in Kenya are under close monitoring, and a safe and dignified burial will be conducted according to established public health protocols. It is important to distinguish between an imported case and an outbreak. An imported case occurs when an infected individual enters a country from elsewhere. An outbreak would require ongoing local transmission within the country, which, at this stage, has not occurred in Kenya. My condolences go to the family of the deceased, and my appreciation to the health workers, the Government of Kenya, and partners responding to this situation.

Kenya confirms first imported Bundibugyo virus disease case; WHO supports control efforts afro.who.int/countries/kenya…

Warm congratulations, Dr Xulu, as you begin your role as Director-General. I look forward to continuing working with you & @HealthZA in support of better health and well-being for everyone in #SouthAfrica.@WHOSouthAfrica

.@WHO and @WorldBankGroup are closer partners today than at any time since our establishment. We are jointly hosting a UHC Hub in #Japan, helping countries advance health financing schemes to achieve #HealthForAll, and co-managing the @Pandemic_Fund to help countries address emergency preparedness gaps. Thank you, Ajay, for your partnership and friendship. Together, for a healthier, safer, fairer world.

Increasing child immunisation coverage will protect children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases, prevent outbreaks, reduce illness, disability and deaths, and preserve the public health gains achieved over the past decades. National Helpline 0800 012 322

Childhood cancer is rare, but it can happen. When cancer is found early and treatment begins without delay, a child has a far better chance of surviving and growing up healthy. #ChildhoodCancer who.int/news-room/fact-sheet…

The Health Department today officially launched the SA Event-Based Surveillance System Guidelines in Boksburg. They provide a framework for strengthening the systematic detection, reporting, verification of signals and events that may indicate a potential public health threat.

Grateful to @HealthZA & partners for bringing this milestone to life. Today’s launch of # SouthAfrica’s Event-Based Surveillance Guidelines shows what collaboration can achieve. Proud to stand with colleagues working to detect threats earlier & protect communities.

Grateful to @HealthZA & partners for bringing this milestone to life. Today’s launch of #SouthAfrica’s Event-Based Surveillance Guidelines shows what collaboration can achieve. Proud to stand with colleagues working to detect threats earlier & protect communities.

This week @HealthZA brought partners together to validate 🇿🇦’s IDSR Strategic Plan & Technical Guidelines. @WHOSouthAfrica, with @GAC_Corporate contribution, is proud to support this work. Thanks to all for making this happen.@nicd_sa @TheBMA_SA @CHAI_health @Jhpiego

Under the theme "A Life Remembered, A Future Renewed," NGIC Board Members, government representatives, and international partners came together in Baku to pay tribute to our late Secretary General, Rovshan Muradov. As we remembered his indelible impact and lifetime of dedication, we also looked ahead, officially introducing our new leadership to guide our journey. Together, we will continue to strengthen our global initiatives and expand the Center’s impactful work on the international stage. #NGIC @Rza_Aliyev_ @VairaVF @I_Serageldin @RGrynspan @Tzipi_Livni

It was an honor to address virtually the SASBCP 2026 conference, I called for stronger links from research to regulation, local manufacturing & public use—so innovation delivers safe, quality-assured & accessible health solutions. Grateful to @UFSweb for the opportunity.

Global recognition for Africa’s public health leadership. Proud to witness @ProfJanabi @WHOAFRO Regional Director, receive @WHO Award for Information & Data Distribution from the @WFPHA_FMASP at #WCPH2026 in —a key moment for African expertise on the world stage.

Had constructive deliberations this week on strengthening partneship among WHO Collaborating Centres across #Africa. Their research, innovation and expertise help turn science into better health for people. We must connect our centres more closely, expand the network and elevate African science as an equal force in global health.

It's a privilege to accept the WFPHA Information and Data Distribution Award in Cape Town, recognising @WHOAFRO’s Preparedness Data Exchange (PDX). In a Region facing more than 100 health emergencies each year, PDX brings together critical information into a unified risk picture, helping our 47 Member States identify emerging threats and turn early warning into early action, ultimately protecting communities. Developed by a dedicated team at WHO’s Nairobi Emergency Hub, PDX reflects the vision and commitment behind this work. We’re proud to be developing world-class public health intelligence in Africa, for Africa, helping protect people from health threats while contributing knowledge and solutions that can benefit the world.

Honoured to speak on "The Economics of Democracy and Public Health" at the 18th World Congress on Public Health. Health outcomes are shaped by political and economic choices. Equitable access to care depends on how resources are allocated, whose voices are heard, and whether institutions are accountable for results. Across Africa, too many families still face financial hardship when seeking health care. Addressing this requires sustained investment in primary health care, stronger public institutions and greater financial protection for families.