Defending science is, above all, defending lives

By: Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola

On World Health Day 2026, under the theme "Together for Health. Support Science", the World Health Organization calls on everyone to reaffirm a simple yet powerful truth: in an increasingly complex world, science remains our most reliable guide to protecting health, saving lives, and building resilient societies.

This message is particularly relevant for Angola. In recent years, the country has demonstrated that policies grounded in scientific evidence can deliver concrete, transformative results. Even in the face of significant challenges, ranging from outbreaks of cholera, polio, and measles to the demands of a constantly evolving health system, Angola has moved forward with determination.

Progress is visible. Maternal and child mortality have been falling. Essential health services have been strengthened. Epidemiological surveillance has become more robust. Laboratories are being modernized. The response to public health emergencies is now faster and better coordinated. Vaccination campaigns are reaching an ever-increasing number of children. These results reflect the joint efforts of national authorities, health professionals, communities, and partners, including the private sector, united by a common commitment.

The WHO is proud to walk alongside Angola on this journey. Recent milestones underscore this ongoing commitment to science-driven transformation. The establishment and operationalization of the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center, as well as its regional centers, represent a significant step forward in the capacity for a coordinated response to sudden threats. The strengthening of the regulation of medicines and health technologies is bringing the country closer to regulatory maturity level 3 by 2027, contributing to greater safety and quality of health products. The approval of the National Immunization Strategy 2026-2030 reaffirms the commitment to protecting children's health and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.

These advances are not merely technical; they are investments in life, trust, and the future. However, significant challenges remain. Malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and death, requiring more robust responses in prevention and treatment. Tuberculosis remains a major concern, requiring earlier diagnosis, effective treatments, and greater integration into primary healthcare.

At the same time, non-communicable diseases, such as high blood pressure, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, are on the rise, driven by changes in lifestyle and an aging population, which calls for comprehensive, science-based policies focused on prevention. Added to all this is a growing challenge: misinformation. When false information undermines trust in vaccines, treatments, or public health measures, it puts lives at risk and jeopardizes the progress achieved.

It is in this context that this year's theme takes on particular importance. Science only fully fulfills its purpose when it is translated into action, when evidence guides policy, when data informs decisions, and when communities trust and benefit from the knowledge produced. Strengthening that trust is essential. Equally important is adopting an integrated vision of health. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, is fundamental to preventing future outbreaks and tackling emerging threats, such as antimicrobial resistance.

Angola now faces a unique opportunity. Investments in human resources, infrastructure, digital systems, and innovation are laying solid foundations to accelerate the modernization of the health system and respond more effectively to the needs of the population. With a renewed commitment, these advances can be scaled up and translated into better health outcomes for all.

The WHO will continue to support Angola in this new phase by revitalizing primary healthcare, expanding immunization, strengthening laboratory systems, improving epidemiological surveillance, promoting digitalization, investing in professional training, and strengthening emergency response capacity. These efforts are essential to progress towards universal health coverage.

World Health Day is more than a symbolic date; it is a call to action. A call to the collective responsibility of everyone: policy-makers, health professionals, academia, the private sector, cooperation partners, and communities, as well as other sectors critical to health, such as water, sanitation, and education. It is a reminder that protecting lives begins with valuing, defending, and applying science in the decisions that shape our future.

Science provides the tools. Leadership sets the course. Communities turn that vision into tangible results. Angola has already shown that it is possible to move forward along this path. Now is the time to reinforce that commitment to science, solidarity, and health for all. Because every evidence-based decision is a firm step towards a healthier, fairer, and more resilient country.

This article was first published in Jornal de Angola, a version of which can be found here: https://www.jornaldeangola.ao/noticias/9/opinião/673158/defender-a-ciência-é-acima-de-tudo-defender-vidas