• Zambia launches its first solar-powered clinic in a $28M Gavi project; Togo introduces the malaria vaccine to combat child mortality.
• Senegal confirms its first 2025 mpox case; Ghana battles a typhoid outbreak in the Oti region, and Chad fights a cholera epidemic.
• A safer veterinary vaccine for Rift Valley Fever is in development to protect livestock and public health in Africa.

Zambia inaugurates its first solar clinic in a $28 million project

In Zambia, the first of 250 solar-powered clinics was inaugurated under Gavi's Health Facility Solarization Electrification (HFSE) program. The $28 million international project aims to provide reliable, clean energy to 1,277 health facilities across Zambia, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Uganda.

No mother should be forced to give birth in the dark. That’s why in remote Mwalumina Health Centre, Zambia, I was honoured to attend the launch of a Gavi-supported project that will bring solar power to 250 health facilities across the country. This means reliable, clean energy… pic.twitter.com/ipk4bH8VNN

— Dr Sania Nishtar (@SaniaNishtar) August 25, 2025

In Zambia alone, the initiative is expected to impact approximately 1.3 million people by ensuring consistent power for vaccine refrigeration, medical equipment, and primary care services. This move addresses a critical infrastructure gap, as one in four health facilities in the country currently lacks access to electricity. Officials state the project will enhance climate resilience by supplying sustainable energy to rural communities.

Togo: towards the introduction of a malaria vaccine

Meanwhile, Togo will begin administering the malaria vaccine on September 1, 2025, integrating it into its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The disease is a major public health challenge in the country, accounting for 65% of pediatric consultations and remaining the leading cause of child mortality.

?? Protéger nos enfants, c’est protéger l’avenir !
Au CMS de Dapankpergou (District de Tône, Savanes), des mères ont été sensibilisées sur le nouveau vaccin contre le paludisme, lors d’une séance de vaccination en poste fixe.#SantéPourTous #Vaccination #Paludisme #WHO pic.twitter.com/OMrpjsna9R

— OMS TOGO (@OMSTogo) August 27, 2025

Togolese health authorities report a 95% readiness level for the rollout, having already received over 325,000 vaccine doses and upgraded their cold chain infrastructure. To encourage compliance and reduce dropout rates, the fourth and final dose of the malaria vaccine will be administered at 15 months alongside other routine childhood immunizations. To counter potential vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, the government is launching an intensive communication campaign.

Senegal Reports First Mpox Case of 2025

Senegal's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first case of mpox in 2025. The patient, a foreign national who arrived in Dakar on August 19, was hospitalized two days later, with the infection confirmed on August 21.

MPOX (variole simienne) : Un cas détecté au Sénégal. #sante #Senegal #Mpox pic.twitter.com/onujPEOphj

— Ahmed Thiam (@AhmedTh90906158) August 25, 2025

Officials report the patient's condition has stabilized and that this remains an isolated case. The event serves as a reminder of the persistent regional threat of the virus, which remains active in several other African nations.

Ghana Battles Typhoid Outbreak

In eastern Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has deployed a rapid response team to manage a surge in typhoid fever cases in the Oti Region. The outbreak is concentrated in the districts of Biakoye, Krachi East, Krachi West, and Krachi Nchumuru. The GHS is reinforcing public health messaging focused on hygiene, safe water, and food handling to control the spread of the bacteria, which is endemic in the region.

Chad Mobilizes Against Cholera

In Abéché, Chad, civil society organizations are partnering with health authorities to combat a cholera epidemic that has already resulted in 642 cases and 39 deaths in the Ouaddaï province. A public awareness campaign was launched on August 24, targeting high-traffic markets to promote handwashing and safe food and water practices.

Rift Valley fever: a safer vaccine under development

In a development aimed at preventing future zoonotic outbreaks, a partnership between the Pirbright Institute and the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) is advancing a safer vaccine for Rift Valley Fever (RVF).

GALVmed & The Pirbright Institute (@Pirbright_Inst) are partnering to develop a safer #RiftValleyFever #vaccine, protecting #livestock and communities across #Africa. ??

Read the news! https://t.co/BwMVL4zKys pic.twitter.com/C7CZSYGVdc

— GALVmed (@GALVmed) August 20, 2025

The disease, which primarily affects livestock but can be transmitted to humans, poses a significant economic and public health threat. The new vaccine candidate uses a non-replicating viral vector, making it safer for pregnant animals than current options. The technology is slated for transfer to an African manufacturer for local production pending safety and efficacy trials.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum