This week in Africa, Africa CDC continues its clinical trial on mpox, while a new study highlights limits in malaria control efforts. Surveillance against mpox remains active in Madagascar, as Ethiopia reports effective control of the Marburg virus. More broadly, declining international health funding is raising questions about the continent’s ability to sustain its health sovereignty.

Morocco: diabetes emerges as a silent public health crisis

In Morocco, diabetes continues to spread amid an epidemiological transition and changing lifestyles. According to projections by the International Diabetes Federation, the number of people living with diabetes in the MENA region could almost double by 2050. In Morocco, adult prevalence already stands at close to 12%, representing around 2.9 million people.

Journée mondiale du #diabète : près de 3 millions de Marocains identifiés comme diabétiques#Maroc pic.twitter.com/2fV7QKwdTC

— MEDI1TV (@Medi1TV) November 14, 2024

Experts attribute this trend mainly to rapid urbanization, rising sedentary behavior, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. These factors are compounded by deep social and territorial inequalities that affect access to prevention and care.

A significant share of diabetes cases also remains undiagnosed, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of severe complications such as kidney failure and amputations. In addition, the cost of medication and glucose monitoring devices continues to limit treatment adherence for many patients. Health specialists are calling for an integrated national strategy combining early screening, nutritional prevention, physical activity promotion, and improved access to care.

Global health funding: donor pullback raises concerns

Global donors continue to show hesitation in supporting epidemic preparedness and response efforts.

More recently, Germany has announced plans to cut its funding for the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Surveillance Hub in Berlin by half, reducing its annual contribution from €30 million to €15 million. Experts quoted by Health Policy Watch warn that the decision could weaken early detection of health threats and undermine cooperation with countries in the Global South.

Launched in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hub plays a key role in real-time analysis of epidemic signals, notably through the use of artificial intelligence tools.

As global public development aid declines while health emergencies increase, such funding cuts could weaken global preparedness for future pandemics.

Ethiopia: Marburg virus under control, vigilance remains

In Ethiopia, no new cases of Marburg virus disease, a virus related to Ebola, have been reported for 21 days, an encouraging sign in the management of the outbreak declared in November 2025.

የማርበርግ ቫይረስ በሽታ ዕለታዊ ሁኔታ
ታህሳስ 26/ 2018

Marburg Virus Disease Daily update
Ethiopia
January 04/ 2026

Ministry of Health,Ethiopia
Ethiopian Public Health Institute pic.twitter.com/F0xGMw0hrI

— Ethiopian Public Health Institute (@EPHIEthiopia) January 5, 2026

So far, the country has recorded 14 confirmed cases and nine deaths. The outbreak will only be officially declared over after 42 consecutive days without a new case, in line with World Health Organization guidelines.

The response has combined large-scale screening, isolation centers, and awareness campaigns reaching more than 20 million households, integrated into the national polio vaccination campaign. Nearly five million travelers have also been screened at entry and exit points. Health authorities are urging continued community surveillance and efforts to counter misinformation during the final phase.

Malaria: fragile gains face structural threats

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.

A review published this week in Nature highlights persistent gaps in the implementation of World Health Organization–recommended strategies, including intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets.

In 2023, global malaria incidence rose to 60.4 cases per 1,000 people at risk, with nearly 600,000 deaths recorded. Despite the rollout of the RTS,S and R21 vaccines and the deployment of next-generation bed nets, coverage levels remain below 2030 targets in many countries.

Socioeconomic inequalities, late attendance at antenatal care visits, and supply chain disruptions continue to limit the impact of interventions. These constraints are compounded by growing resistance to insecticides and antimalarial treatments, as well as the effects of climate change, which are expanding transmission zones.

The review underscores the need for integrated, locally adapted approaches that combine prevention, vaccination, climate surveillance, and sustainable financing. Without substantial and targeted reinvestment, the current trajectory makes it unlikely that global malaria reduction targets will be met by 2030.

Mpox: African clinical trial seeks to close treatment gap

Africa CDC, the African Union’s public health agency, is conducting a pan-African clinical trial to assess a specific antiviral treatment for mpox. Launched in 2024, the randomized, double-blind trial is evaluating several therapeutic options across multiple African countries, with an initial focus on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The study, known as MOSA, has entered a new phase following recently strengthened financial support from Emergent BioSolutions and the African platform PANTHER, as announced by Africa CDC.

An independent data and safety monitoring committee has reviewed the first results after the enrollment of 50 patients and recommended that the trial continue, with no major safety concerns identified. The study is expected to expand to additional sites, including Uganda.

The research comes as Africa has recorded more than 61,000 confirmed mpox cases and nearly 300 related deaths since early 2024, across 32 countries. The continent hosts several viral clades, associated with varying levels of clinical severity.

Madagascar: mpox under heightened surveillance

Madagascar is facing a limited but closely monitored resurgence of mpox. Six confirmed cases and about 70 suspected cases were recorded in early January 2026 across several regions, including Boeny, Analamanga, and Vakinankaratra. Health authorities have sought to reassure the public, noting that no deaths have been reported so far.

In total, five patients are hospitalized and receiving care with support from the World Health Organization and local university hospitals. Targeted prevention measures have been introduced, including mask requirements in certain institutions and reinforced health surveillance at entry points.

Un point de contrôle sanitaire a été mis en place à Antsarimasina afin de prévenir la propagation du Mpox et de sensibiliser les voyageurs au respect des mesures de protection pendant le trajet. En savoir plus : https://t.co/6G8aoahjY3 pic.twitter.com/BOGzg954jH

— Orange actu Madagascar (@orangeactu) January 9, 2026

In the Indian Ocean region, Madagascar’s situation is being closely watched by neighboring territories such as Mayotte and Réunion, where previous outbreaks led to well-established systems for contact tracing, isolation, and targeted vaccination.

West Africa: testing emergency health preparedness

In Dakar, a regional health emergency simulation recently brought together professionals from across West Africa to test operational coordination in response to large-scale crises. The exercise, supported by Africa CDC, was conducted in partnership with the World Health Organization and the World Food Program.

The drill aimed to strengthen real-time decision-making, intersectoral coordination, and response capacity under high-pressure scenarios.

DRC: measles cases surge in Kasai Oriental

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 450 measles cases have been recorded in Kasai Oriental province since mid-December 2025. The cases, which mainly affect children under five, have not resulted in any reported deaths so far.

Although epidemic thresholds appear to have been exceeded locally, authorities point to incomplete vaccination coverage and reluctance among some parents. Targeted campaigns are underway in several health zones to contain the spread. Health officials are urging prompt medical consultation in cases of fever or rash to prevent further escalation.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi