This week, Africa’s health outlook is shaped by mounting supply chain risks tied to global tensions, efforts to address non-communicable diseases, and persistent tuberculosis in southern Africa, alongside progress on mpox in the DRC, disruptions to cholera aid, advances in precision medicine in Côte d’Ivoire and new organ transplant legislation in Madagascar.

Africa faces a growing risk of shortages in health products as global supply chains are disrupted, including by conflicts in the Middle East.

Africa CDC, the African Union’s health agency, said the cost of some raw materials, such as polyester used in mosquito nets, has risen by up to 40%, while maritime freight now costs around $4,000 per container.

“These delays and disruptions could compromise the timely delivery of medicines, vaccines and other essential health products,” said Director-General Jean Kaseya. He added that Africa’s heavy reliance on imports from China and India makes the continent particularly vulnerable.

The agency warned of a potential health crisis if the situation persists.

In response, Africa CDC is promoting a health sovereignty strategy focused on local production, domestic financing and digital transformation. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo are testing mechanisms to reduce reliance on donors, though results remain limited.

Africa CDC launches continental programme on non-communicable diseases

Amid a rise in non-communicable diseases, Africa CDC has launched the SPARK-NCDs programme to strengthen surveillance and improve care.

Nearly 2 million premature deaths are recorded each year from hypertension and diabetes, yet only 10% to 20% of patients receive regular follow-up care.

The programme, deployed through national health systems, aims to improve data collection, train health workers and expand community-level care. It builds on HIV programmes, which have proven effective and cost-efficient when integrated with chronic disease management.

Africa CDC aims to move from fragmented systems to a coordinated, patient-centred approach, as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer place a growing burden on the continent.

Southern Africa: Tuberculosis persists despite progress

Southern Africa remains a major tuberculosis hotspot, with South Africa and Mozambique among the 30 most affected countries globally, according to data shared around World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2026.

In South Africa, tuberculosis caused about 54,000 deaths in 2024, despite a gradual decline. HIV co-infection, present in 54% of cases, complicates control efforts.

Mozambique recorded nearly 112,000 infections in 2023, including 17,400 undiagnosed cases. Drug-resistant strains and health system weaknesses continue to worsen the situation.

At the same time, community initiatives and digital tools such as the OneImpact app are improving access to care and reducing stigma.

Between 2015 and 2023, tuberculosis deaths fell by 42% across Africa, reflecting progress that remains widely seen as insufficient.

DRC: Mpox outbreak no longer a national emergency

The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared its mpox outbreak no longer a national public health emergency after years of response efforts.

Between early 2024 and early 2026, more than 80,000 samples were analysed, confirming over 34,000 cases and more than 2,200 deaths. The outbreak, declared in December 2022, triggered a large-scale national and international response.

Authorities said the virus is still circulating but response capacity has improved. Experience from previous crises, notably Ebola, has strengthened the management of concurrent outbreaks. Surveillance remains in place to prevent a resurgence.

Africa: Cholera aid disrupted by geopolitical tensions

Geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict with Iran are disrupting the delivery of cholera aid in Africa. International media report that essential supplies are stranded in Dubai as the rainy season, a high-risk period, approaches.

Air freight costs have risen by 70%, limiting alternative logistics options.

The affected medical kits are used to treat thousands of patients and prevent the spread of the disease through contaminated water.

In 2025, cholera caused more than 600,000 cases and 8,000 deaths across 34 countries. Although cases declined in 2026, the World Health Organization has warned against complacency.

The situation highlights Africa’s reliance on medical imports and its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.

Côte d’Ivoire: DNA laboratory advances precision medicine

Côte d’Ivoire has opened a public DNA testing laboratory in Grand-Bassam, marking a step forward for precision medicine in West and Central Africa.

Operational since November 2025, the centre enables early detection of hereditary diseases and treatment tailored to individual genetic profiles. Results are delivered within seven to ten days, ending reliance on foreign laboratories. The lab conducts analyses in areas including cancer, fertility disorders and pharmacogenetics.

Madagascar: Toward a legal framework for organ transplants

Madagascar is reviewing draft legislation to regulate organ transplants in response to growing demand, particularly for kidney transplants.

The text, under review at the Ministry of Justice, involves health, religious and academic stakeholders. It prioritises family donations to limit the risk of organ trafficking.

Some procedures, such as corneal transplants, are already performed but lack a formal legal framework. Around 800 patients have undergone such procedures.

Adoption of the law would provide legal protection for health professionals and help structure a sector still at an early stage of development.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi