This week in African health news: Global measles cases have dropped nearly 80 percent since 2000, but major challenges remain across the continent. Ethiopia is stepping up Hepatitis B prevention and responding to its first Marburg outbreak. Senegal and Mauritania are tracking outbreaks of Rift Valley fever and dengue. Measles cases are rising in the DRC, while Madagascar is intensifying efforts to tackle childhood anemia. Morocco, meanwhile, is sounding the alarm over fake psychologists.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says global measles cases have dropped sharply over the past two decades, falling from 38 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2024. Deaths declined from 780,000 to about 95,000 over the same period. Vaccination efforts are estimated to have prevented 58 million deaths, according to a new report.

Global coverage reached 84 percent in 2024, still below the 86 percent recorded in 2019 before COVID-19 disrupted routine immunization. The African region remains the least protected, with only 71 percent coverage. Of the world’s 20.6 million unvaccinated children, 56 percent live in Africa and 19 percent in the Eastern Mediterranean. The WHO warns that eliminating measles worldwide will require sustained resources and political commitment.

Ethiopia Rolls Out Hepatitis B Birth Dose, Confronts Marburg Outbreak

Ethiopia introduced the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine on November 25, 2025, with support from WHO, Gavi and UNICEF. The new programme aims to protect 3.8 million newborns each year and reach 80 percent national coverage. Giving the vaccine within 24 hours of birth significantly reduces the risk of chronic infection. More than 100 health workers were trained in Adama in August, and a national readiness assessment rated Ethiopia at 97 percent. The country now offers 15 routine vaccines.

Ethiopia is also responding to its first confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease. As of November 27, the Ministry of Health had reported eleven cases and six deaths. Five patients remain in treatment, and 349 people are being monitored for symptoms. Health authorities have set up isolation centres in Jinka and Hawassa, increased screening at airports and border posts, and are working with religious leaders to help raise public awareness. Marburg, a virus in the same family as Ebola, has a fatality rate ranging from 24 percent to 88 percent.

Senegal Reports More Than 500 Rift Valley Fever Cases

Senegal has recorded 505 confirmed cases of Rift Valley fever across 11 regions since the outbreak began in late September, according to the Ministry of Health. Saint-Louis is the most affected region, with 352 cases. RVF mainly infects livestock but can spread to humans through contact with infected animals. Authorities have increased surveillance and mosquito-control efforts to contain the spread.

Morocco Warns Public About Unlicensed Psychological Practitioners

Morocco’s National Union of Psychologists is warning about a rise in unlicensed practitioners offering psychological services without accredited training. The group says some individuals are converting their offices into therapy practices using informal authorizations obtained after short, unrecognized courses, putting patients at risk. Morocco has only six public universities offering psychology degrees. The Ministry of Health’s 2030 roadmap includes a new legal framework for the profession, but the union is calling for immediate action to review existing authorizations and better protect the public.

Madagascar Uses Digital Tools to Tackle Childhood Anemia

Madagascar has launched a childhood anemia screening initiative in 26 health facilities in the Analamanga region, with plans for broader expansion. Announced on World Iron Deficiency Day, the programme targets a major health challenge: 42 percent of Malagasy children aged 6 to 59 months have anemia, including 40 percent linked to iron deficiency. The effort involves the Ministry of Health, infant-nutrition company Bledina, the Malagasy Society of Pediatrics and the national pharmaceutical agency. The project uses non-invasive screening tools and digital platforms to improve data collection and reduce child mortality and growth delays.

DRC: Measles Cases Surge in Masisi and Rutshuru

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it has treated more than 3,000 measles cases between April and November 2025 in North Kivu’s Masisi and Rutshuru territories. In Katoyi and Kirotshe, 1,856 patients received care between October and mid-November, including 756 with complications. In Binza, MSF treated 1,195 patients, 355 of them in severe condition. Children under five are the most affected, with malnutrition worsening the disease.

Low vaccination coverage, breaks in the cold chain, an inability to conduct door-to-door campaigns and restricted access due to violence are hindering the response. MSF plans new vaccination drives at the end of November and early December.

DRC: Cholera Outbreak in Moba Passes 640 Suspected Cases

The Moba health district in Tanganyika province has recorded more than 640 suspected cholera cases since January, including 20 deaths. Ninety-four suspected cases were reported last week. Communities along Lake Tanganyika are the most affected, as many residents continue to rely on lake water, the main source of Vibrio cholerae transmission. Shortages of chlorine and other essential supplies are complicating treatment. Dr. Barwine Moma, the district’s chief medical officer, warns that the bacteria is spreading to additional areas and is calling for urgent support.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi