The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that public‑health threats are rising across the continent amid overstretched resources and gaps in preparedness. At a weekly virtual press briefing, Prof. Yap Boum, Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at Africa CDC, highlighted increasing outbreaks of cholera, Mpox and Marburg virus. Data released by the CDC show a sharp surge in disease incidence during epidemiological weeks 1‑47 of 2025: 132,442 suspected Mpox cases, 301,561 suspected cholera cases and 140,217 measles cases. These outbreaks have caused substantial mortality, with 953 Mpox‑related deaths, 7,187 cholera‑related deaths and 1,243 measles‑related deaths.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently declared the end of its 16th Ebola outbreak, which was centred in Kasai Province. Africa CDC praised the DRC government, Ministry of Health and field teams for their coordinated response, attributing the success to “exceptional determination and exemplary coordination.” In Ethiopia’s Jinka Town, a Marburg virus outbreak has been reported, with 13 confirmed cases and eight deaths as of 3 December. Rapid‑response teams have been deployed, and contact tracing, active case searching and surveillance are ongoing.
Africa CDC stresses the need for long‑term investment in preparedness, including domestic health financing, laboratory and manufacturing capacity, early‑warning systems and protection for frontline health workers. Prof. Boum emphasized that “Africa must lead its health‑security future” and that “sovereignty begins with preparedness.” To address current challenges, Africa CDC has been supporting national responses, notably by providing Mpox vaccination. Eighteen countries have received regulatory approval for the MVA‑BN vaccine; 4.88 million doses have been delivered to 16 countries, and 1.91 million people have received at least one dose.
The situation underscores the necessity of sustained commitment to strengthening health systems and preparedness across the continent. As Africa CDC continues to work with countries to combat ongoing outbreaks, investing in long‑term health security and sovereignty remains paramount.
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