Africa is confronting a new wave of infectious disease outbreaks, with officials warning that limited resources and long-standing gaps in preparedness are putting millions at risk.
The alert was issued by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) during its weekly virtual briefing.
Prof. Yap Boum, Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at the agency, said fresh data shows worrying spikes in cholera, Mpox and the deadly Marburg virus across multiple countries.
“Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda provides a roadmap to strengthen preparedness, expand local manufacturing, and invest in digital and financing systems for long-term resilience,” Boum said.
“Progress requires shared commitment, with Africa leading and partners aligning, to build a more secure and sovereign health future for the continent.”
He stressed that scaling up local drug production remains critical to reducing the continent’s reliance on external supply chains.
Despite the growing threats, there was some positive news. Boum announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially declared an end to its 16th Ebola outbreak, which was first reported on September 4 in Kasai Province. Africa CDC joined Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to mark what Boum described as a major achievement.
“This success is the result of exceptional determination and exemplary coordination,” he said.
According to the latest epidemiological data (weeks 1–47 of 2025), disease outbreaks continue to climb. Africa has recorded 132,442 suspected Mpox cases, including 40,218 confirmed cases and 953 deaths. Cholera remains widespread, with 301,561 suspected cases, 10,057 confirmed, and 7,187 deaths reported so far.
Measles also continues to spread aggressively, affecting 140,217 people, while Dengue fever has caused 52,155 suspected cases and 139 deaths. Lassa fever has infected thousands more.
Boum confirmed that Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and Public Health Institute have verified an outbreak of Marburg virus in Jinka Town.
“As of Dec. 3, 13 cases had been confirmed with eight deaths, and 530 samples were tested in week 49 alone,” he said, adding that rapid response teams are on the ground conducting surveillance and contact tracing. South Sudan has also activated its Emergency Operations Centre.
Mpox transmission, while still widespread, is slowing in some countries. Sierra Leone, for instance, has gone 36 days without a confirmed case.
“Mpox continues to pose a major public health challenge, with Liberia, DRC, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Guinea accounting for 81 per cent of confirmed cases over the last six weeks,” he said.
Cholera, however, remains a dominant threat. In 2025 alone, 311,618 cases and 7,187 deaths have been reported in 25 African countries. Boum said Sudan, DRC, South Sudan and Angola accounted for the bulk of the fatalities. Several countries are dealing with severe outbreaks, including Angola, Namibia, Burundi and Kenya—though Kenya has seen improvements after mass vaccination drives.
On Mpox vaccination efforts, Boum noted that 18 countries have approved the MVA-BN vaccine, with two extending the rollout to children under 12. So far, 4.88 million doses have been delivered to 16 countries and 1.91 million people have received at least one dose. Mozambique recently started vaccinations in hotspot districts, while Kenya and Liberia await new batches.
Boum ended with a call for stronger, long-term investment in health security across Africa.
“Africa must lead its health security future. Sovereignty begins with preparedness,” he said.
