Synopsis
The Africa CDC calls for immediate action to combat escalating health crises in Africa, warning of potential reversals in health progress and urging collaborative efforts to address outbreaks and invest in public health.Key Takeaways
- Africa CDC urges immediate action to confront health crises.
- Financial constraints could lead to millions of additional deaths.
- Innovative financing and domestic investments are essential.
- Conflicts across the continent exacerbate public health challenges.
- Urgent responses needed for outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg.
Addis Ababa, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged for immediate measures to tackle the unprecedented convergence of health crises that pose a threat to the significant advancements made in Africa's health security over the years.
In a statement released on Friday, the Africa CDC highlighted the alarming rise in health emergencies across the continent. It called for united efforts from both African nations and global partners, expressing concern over the changing global dynamics that have seen numerous wealthy countries prioritizing domestic needs at the expense of international development aid, including the recent announcement of a 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign assistance.
According to projections from the Africa CDC, without immediate intervention, these financial limitations could reverse health achievements, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality rates reminiscent of the early 2000s. This could result in 2 to 4 million additional deaths annually from diseases that are preventable and treatable.
The public health agency emphasized that the evolving global situation should act as a wake-up call for African leaders to adopt innovative financing strategies and enhance local investments in public health.
Moreover, the agency pointed out that ongoing conflicts and insecurity in various regions of the continent are intensifying Africa's public health challenges, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
During an online media briefing on Thursday, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya stated that the agency is currently addressing multiple disease outbreaks across Africa. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to effectively respond to these outbreaks.
Kaseya highlighted the recent emergence of the Ebola virus in Uganda, confirmed by local authorities on Thursday after a 32-year-old man died from the virus in Kampala, as well as the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania, stating that this situation illustrates the urgency for coordinated action and regional preparedness to contain outbreaks at their source and prevent further transmission.
As of January 20, the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania has reported 10 cases, of which two are confirmed and eight are probable, resulting in 10 deaths with a case fatality rate of 100%.
Additionally, Africa is tackling a multi-country mpox outbreak that has affected 21 nations since last year. In 2025 alone, Africa has recorded over 9,959 mpox cases with a death toll of 85, according to Africa CDC data.
