As the world’s attention drifts from the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa finds itself grappling with a new wave of health crises that threaten to overwhelm fragile health systems. The latest report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) paints a sobering picture of an increasingly complex epidemic landscape across the continent.
Rising Epidemics and Public Health Crises
According to the Africa CDC’s latest epidemic intelligence report, over 100 distinct disease outbreaks have been recorded across the continent in the last six months alone. The most alarming of these include surges in cholera, Ebola, and a re-emergence of polio in regions previously declared polio-free. This resurgence is driven by a combination of factors, including climate change, political instability, and waning public health investments.
In West Africa, cholera outbreaks have swept through communities already battling economic hardship. Over 50,000 cases have been reported, with a mortality rate surpassing 3%, significantly higher than the global average. Health experts fear that without urgent intervention, the situation could worsen as the rainy season exacerbates the spread of waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, Central Africa faces the dual threat of Ebola and monkeypox. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported over 1,200 suspected Ebola cases this year, marking a sharp increase from the previous year. Experts attribute this rise to weakened surveillance systems and ongoing conflict, which hinder efforts to contain the virus at its source.
The Silent Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance
Beyond the immediate threats of infectious diseases, the report highlights the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across Africa. Misuse of antibiotics and lack of stringent regulations have accelerated the spread of drug-resistant pathogens, complicating treatment protocols for common infections. The report estimates that AMR could become one of the leading causes of death on the continent by 2050 if current trends continue.
In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire, with more than 60% of surveyed health facilities reporting resistance to first-line antibiotics. This alarming trend not only raises the cost of healthcare but also prolongs hospital stays, placing additional strain on an already overburdened health system.
Vaccination Gaps and the Fight Against Polio
The resurgence of polio, a disease once on the brink of eradication, is perhaps the most unexpected finding of the report. In the past year, new polio cases have emerged in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, linked to vaccine-derived poliovirus strains. The report attributes these cases to gaps in immunization coverage exacerbated by pandemic-related disruptions.
Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated vaccination campaigns. “We are at a critical juncture,” he stated. “Our gains in polio eradication are at risk unless we double down on our efforts to vaccinate every child.”
Climate Change as a Catalyst
The report underscores the role of climate change as a significant driver of disease outbreaks. Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, have created ideal conditions for vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever to thrive. In East Africa, malaria cases have surged by 30% in areas affected by unprecedented flooding, raising concerns about the region’s capacity to manage both environmental and health challenges simultaneously.
A Call to Action
Africa CDC’s report calls for immediate and sustained investment in epidemic preparedness and response. The agency is urging African governments and international partners to prioritize funding for health systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and vaccine distribution.
While the challenges are daunting, the report also highlights successful interventions in countries like Rwanda and Senegal, where robust public health strategies have curbed outbreaks before they spiral out of control. These examples serve as a reminder that with the right resources and political will, it is possible to prevent a health crisis from becoming a catastrophe.
As Africa continues to navigate this perilous landscape of emerging epidemics, the need for a unified, continent-wide response has never been more urgent. The stakes are high, and the world is watching.