In this weekly African health update, vaccination campaigns against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are advancing across the continent. Meanwhile, three countries have successfully eliminated both measles and rubella. Ethiopia continues its efforts to contain the Marburg virus outbreak. Furthermore, a new cholera outbreak has emerged in Angola, contributing to a continental explosion in cases. In terms of financing and preparedness, the Pandemic Fund has mobilized $500 million, with half of that funding specifically allocated to the African continent. Concurrently, South Africa is strengthening its wastewater surveillance programs to improve disease detection.

The World Health Organization has confirmed that Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles have become the first sub-Saharan African countries to eliminate both measles and rubella. Cabo Verde has reported no measles cases since 1999 and no rubella since 2010, maintaining over 90 percent vaccination coverage for twenty years. Mauritius achieved 98 percent coverage for the first MMR dose and 96 percent for the second in 2024, while Seychelles has sustained over 95 percent coverage for two decades. This milestone contrasts with a broader African measles resurgence, with over 140,000 suspected or confirmed cases and 1,100 deaths across 20 countries this year.

Gavi Surpasses HPV Vaccination Target, Averting 1.4 Million Deaths

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has exceeded its human papillomavirus vaccination goal, protecting over 86 million girls since 2023. This achievement is projected to prevent 1.4 million future cervical cancer deaths. Africa, which bears 90 percent of global cervical cancer mortality, now shows 44 percent HPV vaccine coverage in 2024, surpassing Europe's rate. Gavi has reduced the vaccine cost to between $2.90 and $5.18 per dose for supported countries and estimates $2.3 billion in economic gains since 2014, with plans to support seven additional countries by the end of 2025.

Ethiopia Confirms Marburg Outbreak as Somaliland Heightens Surveillance

Ethiopia's Ministry of Health has confirmed three Marburg virus deaths in Jinka, with nine total confirmed cases including six fatalities. Among the deceased was a physician. Three additional deaths are under investigation. Authorities are monitoring 129 contacts and have deployed rapid response teams, emergency centers, and prevention equipment while enhancing border screening. Neighboring Somaliland has activated its health preparedness plan, citing significant cross-border trade with Ethiopia. The Marburg virus, with a fatality rate of up to 88 percent, has no specific treatment.

At its meeting on November 19, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, the @Pandemic_Fund Board approved US$500 million in grants under the third Call for Proposals—supporting 32 low- and middle-income countries through 20 projects to strengthen #pandemicprevention, preparedness, and response… pic.twitter.com/kJFMKhxVOY

— The Pandemic Fund (@Pandemic_Fund) November 21, 2025

Pandemic Fund Allocates $234 Million to Africa for Health Security

The Pandemic Fund has approved $500 million to strengthen pandemic preparedness, with Africa set to receive $234 million, representing 47 percent of the total allocation. Africa CDC commended African states for improved proposal quality and growing domestic financing efforts. Director General Jean Kaseya emphasized that preparedness remains crucial to prevent localized outbreaks from becoming crises, with particular focus on cross-border regions.

Cholera Cases Triple in Africa Between 2022 and 2025

Africa is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, with cases tripling since 2022 to over 300,000 infections and 7,000 deaths. Angola reported 768 new suspected cases and nine deaths in late October alone, compared to 52 cases in early September. The country's national total has reached 34,445 cases and 874 deaths. South Sudan, with 77,000 cases, and DRC, with 59,000 cases, are also severely affected. In Angola, 44 percent of the population lacks safe water access. Health authorities anticipate further spread as the rainy season begins.

Together with @gatesfoundation, Institute of Philanthropy & @isdb_group, we work hard to advance wastewater?and environmental disease?surveillance, a powerful tool to spot infectious disease outbreaks & more before they spread.

?Early warning is the spine of #preparedness. pic.twitter.com/2DYDwppIoe

— EU HERA (@EC_HERA) November 18, 2025

South Africa Pioneers Wastewater Surveillance for Early Outbreak Detection

South Africa is strengthening disease surveillance through wastewater analysis, enabling the detection of underreported infections in underserved areas. Studies show wastewater viral loads for SARS-CoV-2 far exceeded clinically detected cases. The system has also identified measles, hepatitis A and E, mpox, influenza, and other pathogens before clinical reporting. Africa CDC is developing a continental environmental surveillance strategy despite funding and sequencing capacity challenges.