AHR’s Top 10 Health & Development Stories, 17- 23 August 2026

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AHR’s Top 10 health stories the week

✍️ Editor’s Note

This week’s top health and development stories reveal a world confronting both urgent health emergencies and long-term system reforms. The worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo dominated global attention, prompting renewed international support, vaccine deployments and an appeal from Pope Leo XIV for coordinated global action.

Nigeria also recorded notable policy shifts. The Federal Executive Council’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide represents a milestone for mental health reform, while the country’s strategic cancer partnership with China signals a long-term investment in specialised healthcare and local medical technology. At the same time, states strengthened public health systems through emergency care training, safer clinical regulations, hepatitis elimination planning and expanded disease prevention efforts.

Together, these developments highlight the growing importance of preparedness, stronger health systems and sustained investment in protecting lives across Africa.

🔟 Top 10 Stories This Week

Trainees practicing what they have been taught

🔟 Airport Staff Trained in Basic Life Support as Public Defibrillator Installed

Airport personnel have undergone comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) training following the donation and…

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Kwara Renovates 100 Health Centres, Hires 1,000 Workers

9️⃣ Kwara Launches Roadmap to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis by 2030

The Kwara State Government has launched a comprehensive Viral Hepatitis Elimination Roadmap aimed at…

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Kano Bans IV Fluid Administration, Blood Transfusions at Patent Medicine Stores

8️⃣ Kano Bans IV Fluid Administration, Blood Transfusions at Patent Medicine Stores

The Kano State Government has prohibited patent medicine stores from administering intravenous (IV) fluids…

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Health workers participate in Basic Life Support training organised by the FCTA in Abuja.

7️⃣ FCTA Begins Emergency Care Training for Health Workers

The FCTA Basic Life Support training has commenced for health workers from seven public…

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Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate

6️⃣ Nigeria Moves to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health…

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WHO

5️⃣ WHO Warns Hidden Lead Exposure Is Damaging Millions of Lives

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that exposure to lead, a toxic heavy…

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Health officials conducting Ebola awareness campaigns in Lagos communities.

 4️⃣ DRC Ebola Cases Rise Above 5,000 as Africa CDC Warns Transmission Continues

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says confirmed Ebola cases…

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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak: WHO Delivers Ervebo Vaccine

3️⃣ DR Congo Receives Ebola Vaccine Shipment

The DR Congo Ebola outbreak receives a major boost after more than 16,000 doses…

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Healthcare workers promoting sanitation and hygiene in a hospital facility.

2️⃣ WHO, UNICEF Report Only 40% of Global Health Facilities Meet Basic Sanitation Standards

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have revealed…

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Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims during the Angelus prayer at St Peter's Square.
Pope Leo XIV

1️⃣ Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Action on DR Congo Ebola

Pope Leo XIV has called on the international community to intensify efforts to contain…

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