This week’s health update shows Africa edging closer to the end of the mpox public health emergency, even as the continent continues to face the ongoing spread of seasonal influenza and severe outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria and Rift Valley fever. Meanwhile, longer-term initiatives are taking shape at both national and continental levels, aimed at strengthening healthcare financing and ensuring access to essential medicines.

African countries have adopted a 10-year regional strategy to improve access to essential medicines. The roadmap, presented in Johannesburg this month, aims to reduce reliance on imports and foreign aid. Only 35% of essential medicines are currently available in public health facilities.

The World Health Organization’s Africa office said the plan focuses on local production, pooled procurement, and resilient regional supply chains. It falls under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the mandate of the African Medicines Agency.

With out-of-pocket health spending reaching up to 90% of total health costs in some countries, the project’s backers argue for innovative financing and greater use of domestic resources to secure sustainable access to care.

Africa CDC May Downgrade Mpox Emergency Status

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said the continent may soon downgrade mpox from its status as a continental public health emergency. Seven countries have reached what the agency defines as the “end of epidemic” phase. Sierra Leone is preparing to enter the control phase after more than 42 days without a confirmed case.

Special Briefing on Mpox & other Health Emergencies || Dec. 11, 2025 https://t.co/0OiaymslQR

— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) December 11, 2025

The agency applies strict criteria, including the absence of sustained transmission and countries’ ability to rapidly detect new cases. Despite cross-border movements, notably between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, authorities believe the risks remain manageable due to enhanced surveillance.

Africa CDC stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation and bilateral agreements for contact tracing and coordinated outbreak management.

Seasonal Flu Circulation Continues in Africa, WHO Says

Seasonal influenza activity is rising in the African Region and detections increased in October, according to the WHO. In West Africa, the rise began in September and A(H3N2) has been predominant since October. In central and eastern areas, all seasonal subtypes continue to circulate.

In South Africa, activity peaked in May 2025 and was almost exclusively driven by A(H3N2), before a slight recent resurgence at levels that remain low, the WHO said. Globally, influenza activity has been increasing since October 2025, with a rise in an A(H3N2) subgroup known as J.2.4.1, or subclade K, detected in more than 34 countries over six months. The WHO does not currently report an increase in severity.

For African countries, challenges include surveillance and service preparedness, as influenza often overlaps with other respiratory viruses.

The WHO said vaccination remains central, especially for healthcare workers, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions. Early estimates indicate protection against hospitalization of around 70-75% for those aged 2 to 17 and 30-40% for adults.

Liberia Maps Health Resources to Strengthen System Financing

Liberia’s Ministry of Health has completed a national health resource mapping exercise to better inform budgetary decisions for the 2026 fiscal year.

The U.S. and Liberia have achieved a historic milestone in advancing the America First Global Health Strategy by signing a five-year, bilateral health cooperation MOU. pic.twitter.com/mUPBr8JsGt

— US Africa Media Hub (@AfricaMediaHub) December 10, 2025

Conducted with support from the Global Fund and Last Mile Health, the exercise identified financial flows, infrastructure, equipment, and available human resources in the sector. Authorities aim to address funding gaps and improve planning in a country where foreign aid plays a central role. The consolidated data is intended to support new investments and strengthen transparency in health spending.

DRC Faces Worst Cholera Outbreak in 25 Years

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its worst cholera epidemic in a quarter century. The disease now affects 17 of the country’s 26 provinces, according to UNICEF.

The #DRCongo is facing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years with devastating impacts on communities, @UNICEF has warned.

More than 64,000 cases and 1,800 deaths were recorded in 2025.

Read more?https://t.co/YLOjgSpCZz pic.twitter.com/HgwTagDSzy

— OCHA Southern & Eastern Africa (@UNOCHA_ROSEA) December 13, 2025

Since January, more than 64,000 cases have been recorded and nearly 1,900 deaths registered, including 340 children. Limited access to clean water and sanitation, compounded by flooding and armed conflict in the east, is fueling the spread.

With support from international organizations, health authorities are seeking to strengthen medical care and community prevention. But needs remain considerable. For humanitarian agencies, the epidemic once again underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in water and hygiene infrastructure to prevent recurring, preventable crises.

Rift Valley Fever Spreads Across Most of Mauritania

In Mauritania, widespread transmission of Rift Valley fever has been reported, with 286 human cases recorded in 2025, including 53 confirmed, and 15 deaths. In total, the disease affects 14 of the country’s 15 regions, while 200 cases have been reported in animals.

Transmitted by mosquitoes or through contact with infected livestock, the zoonosis affects both human health and the pastoral economy. The WHO is supporting authorities through a “One Health” approach linking veterinary, health, and environmental services.

Mobile teams, refurbished isolation units, and community information campaigns have been deployed. The aim is to contain transmission while limiting economic losses linked to livestock.

Persistent Diphtheria Outbreak Hits Children in Somalia

Somalia is reporting a resurgence of diphtheria, with more than 1,000 children recently infected and at least 50 deaths. Since January, more than 3,200 cases have been reported in health facilities, with 40% among children under five.

Authorities describe the current episode as a continuation of the epidemic that emerged in 2023, with ongoing transmission in several districts. A targeted vaccination campaign is set to begin in Banadir in mid-December in an effort to curb the spread.

The Ministry of Health is calling on families to vaccinate their children. According to the ministry, low vaccination coverage is contributing to the resurgence of preventable diseases in a country with already fragile health systems.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi