Africa Navigates Multiple Health Crises While Strengthening Long-Term Healthcare Systems
Africa is simultaneously confronting the waning threat of mpox alongside ongoing outbreaks of seasonal influenza, cholera, diphtheria, and Rift Valley fever, even as significant strides are being made to bolster healthcare financing and access to essential medicines across the continent. These parallel challenges highlight the complex health landscape facing African nations and the urgent need for both immediate response and sustained investment.
Mpox Emergency Status May Be Downgraded
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) indicated the continent may soon downgrade mpox from its status as a continental public health emergency. According to the agency, seven countries have already reached the “end of epidemic” phase, with Sierra Leone poised to enter the control phase after exceeding 42 days without a confirmed case.
The Africa CDC applies stringent criteria for this determination, including the absence of sustained transmission and the capacity of countries to rapidly detect new cases. Despite ongoing cross-border movement – particularly between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi – authorities believe enhanced surveillance measures are effectively managing the remaining risks. A senior official at the Africa CDC stressed the importance of strengthened regional cooperation and bilateral agreements for contact tracing and coordinated outbreak management.
Influenza Activity Rises Across the Region
Seasonal influenza activity is on the rise throughout the African Region, with detections increasing notably in October, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. The surge began in West Africa in September, with the A(H3N2) subtype predominating since October. In central and eastern Africa, all seasonal subtypes continue to circulate.
South Africa experienced a peak in activity in May 2025, driven almost exclusively by A(H3N2), followed by a recent, albeit slight, resurgence. Globally, influenza activity has been increasing since October 2025, with a rising presence of the A(H3N2) subgroup J.2.4.1, or subclade K, detected in over 34 countries in the past six months. The WHO currently reports no increase in the severity of cases. Challenges for African countries include robust surveillance and adequate service preparedness, particularly given the overlap between influenza and other respiratory viruses. Vaccination remains a central preventative measure, especially for healthcare workers, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions, offering an estimated 70-75% protection against hospitalization for those aged 2-17 and 30-40% for adults.
Liberia Strengthens Health System Financing
Liberia’s Ministry of Health has completed a national health resource mapping exercise to inform budgetary decisions for the 2026 fiscal year. The exercise, supported by the Global Fund and Last Mile Health, identified financial flows, infrastructure, equipment, and human resources within the health sector. Authorities aim to address funding gaps and improve planning in a country heavily reliant on foreign aid. The consolidated data will support new investments and enhance transparency in health spending.
DRC Grapples with Historic Cholera Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently experiencing its worst cholera epidemic in 25 years, affecting 17 of the country’s 26 provinces, according to UNICEF. Since January, over 64,000 cases have been recorded, resulting in nearly 1,900 deaths, including 340 children. Limited access to clean water and sanitation, exacerbated by flooding and ongoing armed conflict in the east, is fueling the spread.
Health authorities, with support from international organizations, are working to strengthen medical care and community prevention efforts, but significant needs remain. Humanitarian agencies emphasize the urgent need for sustained investment in water and hygiene infrastructure to prevent recurring, preventable crises.
Rift Valley Fever Spreads in Mauritania
Mauritania is facing widespread transmission of Rift Valley fever, with 286 human cases recorded in 2025 – 53 confirmed – and 15 deaths. The disease affects 14 of the country’s 15 regions, with 200 cases also reported in animals. Transmitted by mosquitoes or contact with infected livestock, the zoonosis impacts both human health and the pastoral economy. The WHO is supporting authorities through a “One Health” approach, integrating veterinary, health, and environmental services. Mobile teams, refurbished isolation units, and community information campaigns are deployed to contain transmission and mitigate economic losses.
Diphtheria Resurgence in Somalia
Somalia is reporting a resurgence of diphtheria, with over 1,000 children recently infected and at least 50 deaths. Since January, more than 3,200 cases have been reported, with 40% among children under five. Authorities describe the current outbreak as a continuation of the epidemic that emerged in 2023, with ongoing transmission in several districts. A targeted vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin in Banadir in mid-December to curb the spread. The Ministry of Health is urging families to vaccinate their children, citing low vaccination coverage as a key contributor to the resurgence of preventable diseases in a country with a fragile health system.
Regional Strategy to Improve Access to Medicines
Addressing long-term healthcare needs, African countries have adopted a 10-year regional strategy to improve access to essential medicines. Presented in Johannesburg this month, the roadmap aims to reduce reliance on imports and foreign aid, as currently only 35% of essential medicines are available in public health facilities. The WHO’s Africa office highlights the plan’s focus on local production, pooled procurement, and resilient regional supply chains, operating within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the mandate of the African Medicines Agency. Backers of the project argue for innovative financing and greater utilization of domestic resources to ensure sustainable access to care, particularly given that out-of-pocket health spending reaches up to 90% of total health costs in some countries.
