Niger has urged unity in efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases across the region.
The call comes amid ongoing initiatives to address public health challenges in West Africa. Neglected tropical diseases remain a significant burden, affecting vulnerable populations. Officials emphasize collaborative action to achieve elimination goals. This push highlights the need for regional cooperation in health matters.
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Nigerian leaders and groups have responded to recent comments and threats from US President Donald Trump targeting Nigeria. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau called for an apology, while Christian clerics urged calm. The National Orientation Agency emphasized unity against external threats.
At a high-level side event during the 2026 African Union Summit, Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, urged African leaders to integrate health financing into broader fiscal and economic reforms, calling health central to the continent's sovereignty. He highlighted a sharp drop in global development assistance for health, from about $80 billion in 2021 to $39 billion in 2025. This underscores Africa's reliance on external funding and imported medical supplies.
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Niger's military regime has announced a general mobilization and requisitions of people and goods to intensify the fight against jihadist groups that have plagued the country for a decade. This measure, adopted Friday by the Council of Ministers, aims to preserve territorial integrity and protect populations from internal and external threats. It comes amid regional military alliances and the expulsion of foreign troops.
South Africa's Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi opened a joint meeting of SADC health ministers in Sandton on February 24, 2026. He highlighted critical health areas amid regional challenges and launched a new strategy on sexual and reproductive health rights. The gathering focuses on reviewing progress and enhancing collaboration across the region.
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Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that local manufacturing of health products has become a strategic necessity for African health sovereignty. Speaking at a presidential roundtable on health manufacturing in Addis Ababa, on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, he emphasized reducing dependence on external sources through local production of vaccines and medicines. He highlighted that the Egyptian Drug Authority is the first in Africa to achieve WHO maturity level 3 for medicines and vaccines.
At least 31 people were killed in an attack on a village in the West African nation of Niger on Sunday. The attack took place in the Tillabéri region, according to reports from student associations and a source AP spoke to. Four people were seriously injured.
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US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Nigeria, prompting swift international responses. Russia is monitoring the situation closely, while the African Union rejects the remarks emphasizing Nigeria's sovereignty. Nigerian Muslim leaders urge diplomatic engagement to ease tensions.