World Health Organization

The WHO Regional Office for Africa is one of WHO’s 6 regional offices around the world. It serves the WHO African Region, which comprises 47 Member States with the Regional Office in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

As the lead health authority within the United Nations (UN) system, we work with the Member States in the African Region and development partners to improve the health and well-being of people.

Our work involves translation of global health initiatives into regional plans that respond to the specific needs and challenges of countries in the Region. We support countries to achieve better health outcomes through technical and policy advice, development of norms and standards, generation and sharing of knowledge and convening health partners. Together with countries, we attain health objectives by supporting national health policies and strategies.

Our main areas of work include health sector development, combating diseases – infectious diseases like TB and HIV, and non-infectious diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. We prepare for and rapidly respond to disasters and emergencies and help mothers and children survive and thrive, so they can look forward to a healthy old age.

WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to ensuring that all people have access to good quality affordable health care without falling into poverty.