African countries are making progress in eliminating preventable and neglected diseases, despite pressure on health financing.

The achievements were highlighted during a high-level ministerial side event on multi-disease elimination held at the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa.

Nine African countries are now free of trachoma, following the recent addition of Burundi, Mauritania, and Senegal.

Niger has become the first African country and the fifth globally to eliminate river blindness.

Guinea and Kenya have eliminated sleeping sickness, bringing the regional total to 10 countries and contributing to a 98% reduction in cases since 2000.

Botswana has become the first high-HIV-burden country in the world to achieve WHO gold-tier certification for eliminating Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV.

Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles have also become the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to be verified as free of measles and rubella.

Health leaders credited the progress to political commitment, health workers, communities, and strong partnerships.

However, reduced external funding is putting pressure on elimination programmes.

The meeting ended with the Addis Ababa Call to Action, committing countries and partners to accelerate elimination efforts, strengthen health systems, and protect the gains already achieved.