Africa is facing a rise in dangerous diseases, creating new concerns for governments and health workers across the continent.
The warning was issued by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which described the situation as an Africa public health threat that requires urgent action.
According to Prof. Yap Boum, the Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at Africa CDC, new data shows increased outbreaks of cholera, mpox and the Marburg virus.
He gave the update during the agency’s weekly virtual briefing.
Moreover, he stressed that the continent must strengthen preparedness to avoid bigger emergencies.
Boum said the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda was created to guide countries toward long-term resilience.
He explained that it would help improve preparedness, expand drug production and support digital health systems.
In his words, “Progress requires shared commitment, with Africa leading and partners aligning, to build a more secure and sovereign health future for the continent.”
The briefing also confirmed that the Democratic Republic of Congo had ended its 16th Ebola outbreak. The outbreak began in Kasai Province and was reported on September 4. Boum praised the country’s response teams and noted their coordination.
According to him, “This success is the result of exceptional determination and exemplary coordination.”
However, the continent is still dealing with a heavy disease load.
New figures for weeks one to 47 of 2025 showed 132,442 suspected mpox cases, with 40,218 confirmed and 953 deaths.
Cholera also remained severe, recording 301,561 suspected cases and more than 7,000 deaths.
Furthermore, outbreaks of measles, dengue fever and Lassa fever continued in several countries. Ethiopia confirmed a Marburg virus outbreak in Jinka Town, with 13 cases and eight deaths as of December 3.
Meanwhile, health teams have been deployed to affected areas. Contact tracing and surveillance are ongoing, and countries such as South Sudan have activated their emergency centers.
Cholera has also spread widely, with 311,618 cases recorded in 25 countries.
Sudan, DRC, South Sudan and Angola reported most of the deaths. In addition, vaccination campaigns in places like Angola and Kenya helped reduce transmission in some communities.
On mpox vaccination, Boum revealed that 18 countries now have approval for the MVA-BN vaccine.
More than 4.8 million doses have been delivered, while nearly two million people have received at least one dose.
He called for more investment in health security. According to him, “Africa must lead its health security future. Sovereignty begins with preparedness.”
Therefore, health experts believe that tackling this Africa public health threat will require joint effort, stronger systems and long-term planning.
