The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that the continent is facing growing public health threats as multiple disease outbreaks stretch already limited health systems.
Prof. Yap Boum, Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at Africa CDC, gave the warning during the agency’s weekly virtual briefing, citing new data showing increases in cholera, Mpox, measles, Marburg virus, and other infectious diseases.
“Progress requires shared commitment, with Africa leading and partners aligning, to build a more secure and sovereign health future,” Boum said.
“Sovereignty begins with preparedness.”
Africa CDC data for epidemiological weeks 1–47 of 2025 show:
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Mpox: 132,442 suspected cases, 40,218 confirmed, 953 deaths
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Cholera: 301,561 suspected, 10,057 confirmed, 7,187 deaths
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Measles: 140,217 cases, 1,243 deaths
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Dengue: 6,062 confirmed cases, 139 deaths
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Lassa fever: 1,023 confirmed cases, 192 deaths
Boum also confirmed that Ethiopia is battling a Marburg virus outbreak in Jinka Town, with 13 confirmed cases and eight deaths as of December 3.
“Rapid response teams have been deployed, with contact tracing and surveillance ongoing,” he said.
Other Developments
The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared the end of its 16th Ebola outbreak reported in September. Boum praised the government for “exceptional determination and exemplary coordination.”
Mpox remains a major concern, with Liberia, DRC, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Guinea accounting for 81% of recent cases, although countries like Sierra Leone have reported declining transmission.
Cholera continues to spread across 25 African countries, with Sudan, DRC, South Sudan and Angola responsible for most deaths.
Vaccination Efforts
Eighteen countries have approved the MVA-BN Mpox vaccine. So far, 4.88 million doses have been delivered to 16 countries, with 1.91 million people receiving at least one dose.
The Way Forward
Boum stressed the need for long-term investment in health security, including domestic financing, local drug manufacturing and early warning systems.
“Accelerating local production is crucial to building a resilient health ecosystem,” he said.
