This week in Africa, health news highlights progress in kidney disease research, new investments in health security, and efforts to strengthen epidemiological surveillance. It also covers Togo’s push to secure funding to fight major endemic diseases, Burkina Faso’s renewed campaign against malaria, persistent inequalities in women’s health, and a resurgence of diphtheria cases in South Africa.

A large genomic study of nearly 26,000 Africans has identified genetic factors linked to chronic kidney disease that are specific to African populations.

Globally, about 850 million people are affected, with roughly 1.5 million deaths each year. In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden is worsened by high rates of hypertension, affecting nearly 30% of adults, and diabetes, which often goes undiagnosed.

Researchers identified several genetic variants unique to African populations, opening the way for improved diagnostics and more targeted treatments. The study also found that certain genes, including APOL1, do not have the same impact across regions, raising doubts about whether findings from African diaspora populations can be applied universally.

With fewer than one nephrologist per million people, the findings highlight the need to include African populations in clinical research, expand early screening, and sustain research efforts.

Africa CDC Secures $250 Million to Strengthen Health Security

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention secured more than $250 million at the One Health Summit in Lyon this week to strengthen health security across the continent.

The funding includes contributions from the European Union, the Global Fund, the Green Climate Fund and the Pandemic Fund. It will support efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, build climate-resilient health systems and improve disease surveillance. Part of the funding will also back research into new medical countermeasures, particularly for climate-related diseases.

The initiative signals a strategic shift in Africa’s role in global health governance. Africa CDC said the approach focuses on African priorities and strengthening local systems to improve early detection of health threats and limit their spread.

Mobile App Tested to Improve Disease Surveillance

Africa CDC and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are testing a mobile surveillance application in Zambia based on event reporting.

The tool allows community health workers to report potential public health threats in real time. It is designed to streamline data collection, transmission and analysis at the district level, speeding up outbreak detection and improving response coordination.

Funded through a partnership between African and European institutions, the project includes training and field testing and could be expanded to other countries.

Togo Seeks 56 Billion CFA Francs to Fight Major Diseases

Togo is preparing a funding proposal to mobilize around 56 billion CFA francs ($92 million) for the 2027–2029 period to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

The plan follows consultations involving government authorities, partners and civil society, and aims to optimize resource allocation as external funding declines. HIV prevalence stands at 1.4%, but challenges remain, particularly in testing and patient follow-up.

The strategy seeks to strengthen program integration, improve governance and ensure long-term sustainability, with the aim of maximizing the impact of Global Fund support.

Burkina Faso Adopts 2026–2030 Malaria Strategy

Burkina Faso has adopted a 2026–2030 strategy to accelerate the fight against malaria, officials said on April 3 in Ouagadougou.

Despite a 32% drop in cases in 2025, malaria remains a major public health challenge in the country. The new plan takes a multisectoral approach involving health, education, environment and communities.

Key priorities include strengthening prevention, improving rapid access to care and mobilizing resources. The large-scale rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine is central to the strategy, with all health districts now offering it. Authorities stressed that public uptake will be critical to meeting targets.

Women Live Longer but Spend More Years in Poor Health

Women live an average of 3.8 years longer than men but spend more years in poor health, according to UN Women.

In 2021, women spent 10.9 years in poor health compared with 8 years for men. Medical bias remains a factor, with women’s symptoms often underestimated, leading to delayed diagnoses.

Endometriosis, which affects nearly 190 million women, can take up to 12 years to diagnose. Despite progress, including a 40% decline in maternal mortality since 2000, significant inequalities persist, particularly in low-income countries.

South Africa Reports New Diphtheria Cases

South Africa has recorded two new confirmed cases of diphtheria in Western Cape province, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases said.

Between Dec. 29, 2025, and March 29, 2026, the country reported 12 cases of respiratory diphtheria, along with two asymptomatic carriers identified through contact tracing.

The median age of patients is 28, with adults accounting for 75% of cases. The case fatality rate stands at 8%, including one death in a child. A skin-related case was also identified in Gauteng province.

Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, can affect all age groups. Symptoms include sore throat, mild fever and a gray membrane forming in the respiratory tract. Health authorities stressed the need for rapid treatment with antibiotics and antitoxin, as well as contact tracing to limit transmission.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi