Health developments range from the official end of the Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia to the launch of a central health data repository by Africa CDC. At the same time, efforts against neglected tropical diseases continue, as dengue spreads in Mali, mpox keeps authorities on alert in Liberia, and Kenya and Ghana highlight the impact of long-term strategies on lymphatic filariasis and malaria.

Africa CDC launches a central health data repository

Africa CDC, the African Union’s public health agency, has launched a central health data repository aimed at improving disease surveillance and health risk analysis across the continent. The platform is designed to integrate previously fragmented data from surveillance systems, laboratories, and national health programs.

?️ Breaking: A major step forward for Africa’s health security.

Africa CDC has established a Central Data Repository to strengthen public health surveillance across the continent, enabling faster analysis, smarter decisions, and more coordinated action to prevent and respond to… pic.twitter.com/AXeCpuPSbi

— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) January 29, 2026

Public health emergencies reported in Africa rose by 40% between 2022 and 2024, reaching 213 events. The new system is expected to support earlier threat detection, stronger cross-border coordination, and faster response times.

Funded by the Global Fund, the repository operates under a federated model that preserves national data sovereignty while strengthening continental health intelligence.

Ethiopia declares end of Marburg outbreak

Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after 42 consecutive days with no new cases. The outbreak, detected in November 2025 in the south of the country, resulted in 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and five recoveries.

Big News!!!
Ethiopia ??has officially declared the end of its first-ever #Marburg virus disease outbreak following enhanced surveillance with no new confirmed cases. The outbreak was contained in less than three months through a government-led response supported by @WHO pic.twitter.com/tvUrhKFmiK

— WHO Ethiopia (@WHOEthiopia) January 26, 2026

Four districts were affected. Authorities implemented rapid response measures, including active screening, isolation, contact tracing, and strengthened infection prevention. While national authorities highlighted strong coordination with partners, Africa CDC described the response as a successful test of Ethiopia’s ability to manage complex health emergencies, despite the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg.

More than 3,800 tests were conducted, supported by expanded laboratory capacity and funding exceeding $1.2 million. Ethiopia has also mobilized $150 million for new health infrastructure projects. This momentum positions the Ethiopian Public Health Institute as a regional center of excellence. Addis Ababa is set to host the International Conference on Public Health in Africa in 2026.

Benin: African media mobilize against neglected tropical diseases

Nearly 70 journalists from 35 African countries gathered in Cotonou on January 29–30, 2026, for a continental forum dedicated to neglected tropical diseases. The event was organized by the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment, alongside activities marking World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day on January 30.

The forum aimed to elevate NTDs as a political, financial, and development priority. Discussions highlighted recent progress, with 56 countries having eliminated at least one NTD and more than 860 million people treated in 2023. Participants nevertheless called for stronger domestic financing and increased media advocacy to sustain these gains.

More than one billion people remain at risk globally, with over 40% in Africa. Diseases include Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue, chikungunya, dracunculiasis, echinococcosis, human African trypanosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and yaws.

Kenya steps up drive to eliminate lymphatic filariasis

Kenya is accelerating efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2027. Annual mass drug administration campaigns conducted between 2016 and 2022 have interrupted transmission, while targeted care programs are improving patient quality of life.

Since 2018, nearly 3,000 surgeries have been performed to treat hydrocele, with 60% carried out since 2024, World Health Organization data show. More than 100 health workers have been trained with support from international partners.

An estimated backlog of about 2,200 surgeries remains, underscoring ongoing challenges in access to care amid limited resources.

Ghana: malaria vaccines cut child deaths

In Ghana, the rollout of new malaria vaccines has led to a sharp decline in deaths among children under five, falling from 245 in 2018 to 35 in 2024, according to recent data.

The vaccines complement existing measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and early treatment. Gavi says the results confirm the vaccines’ potential to curb a disease that kills nearly 500,000 children each year in Africa.

REFILE: New vaccines are helping Ghana approach its goal of ending child deaths from malaria, but aid cutbacks by the US and other donors could mean fewer children benefit in Africa. We will delete a post containing incomplete information https://t.co/B9pWhyi48o pic.twitter.com/Ndwu1p6lRm

— Reuters (@Reuters) January 29, 2026

However, cuts in international aid threaten vaccine expansion. Gavi estimates that 19,000 additional deaths could occur if funding gaps are not filled, despite recent price reductions announced by manufacturers.

Mali reports high dengue levels early in the year

Mali has reported the highest number of dengue cases in Africa since the start of 2026. A total of 131 cases have been recorded, including 28 confirmed and 103 suspected cases, with no deaths reported so far. In 2025, the country registered more than 4,000 cases amid continued virus circulation.

The Ministry of Health has maintained enhanced surveillance, case management, vector control, and risk communication. Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes, can rapidly progress to severe forms requiring hospitalization. Health authorities are urging stronger prevention measures as Mali remains on a health watch list for travelers.

Liberia: mpox outbreak triggers travel alert

In Liberia, a mpox outbreak has prompted U.S. health authorities to issue a level 2 travel alert, recommending enhanced precautions for travelers. The country reported 1,451 confirmed cases and six deaths in 2025, with four additional cases recorded in early 2026.

Unlike global trends observed since 2022, Liberia’s outbreak affects men and women at similar rates. Human-to-human transmission, including through sexual contact, has been confirmed.

The alert comes as Africa CDC lifted the continent-wide mpox public health emergency status. Authorities continue to recommend targeted vaccination for high-risk groups and stress the importance of individual prevention measures.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi