Bold claim first: Africa is scaling up its fight for essential medicines even as outbreaks and funding gaps persist, showing a path toward more resilient healthcare financing and local production. But here's where it gets controversial: will these long-term plans translate into real, on-the-ground access, or remain a framework on paper?
Weekly Health Update: Africa strengthens its essential medicines strategy despite ongoing outbreaks and funding shortfalls. The continent is edging toward the tail end of mpox as a public health threat, while grappling with seasonal influenza, cholera surges, diphtheria spikes, and Rift Valley fever outbreaks. In parallel, national and continental efforts are taking shape to bolster health financing and guarantee access to essential medicines.
A 10-year regional plan to improve access to essential medicines has been adopted by African countries. Unveiled in Johannesburg this month, the roadmap aims to cut dependence on imports and external aid. Currently, only about 35% of essential medicines are available in public health facilities.
The World Health Organization’s Africa office highlights three pillars: boosting local production, pooling procurement, and building resilient regional supply chains. This initiative sits within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework and aligns with the mandate of the African Medicines Agency.
With out-of-pocket health spending reaching up to 90% of total health costs in some nations, supporters advocate 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) indicated the continent could soon downgrade mpox from a continental public health emergency. Seven countries have reached what the agency defines as the “end of epidemic” phase. Sierra Leone is preparing to move into the control phase after more than 42 days with no confirmed cases.
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—no sustained transmission and the ability to rapidly detect new cases. Despite cross-border movements, particularly between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, authorities believe risks remain manageable due to enhanced surveillance.
Africa CDC emphasized the importance of strengthening 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, with detections increasing in October. In West Africa, the uptick began in September, with A(H3N2) predominant since October. Central and eastern areas continue to report circulation of all seasonal subtypes.
In South Africa, influenza activity peaked in May 2025, driven mainly by A(H3N2), with a recent modest resurgence at low levels. Globally, influenza has risen since October 2025, including a subclade of A(H3N2) known as J.2.4.1 (subclade K), detected in more than 34 countries over six months. The WHO notes no current rise in severity.
For African countries, challenges include surveillance gaps and service preparedness, as influenza often overlaps with other respiratory viruses.
Vaccination remains central, especially for healthcare workers, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions. Early estimates suggest protection against hospitalization of about 70-75% for ages 2 to 17 and 30-40% for adults.
Liberia Maps Health Resources to Strengthen System Financing
Liberia’s Ministry of Health completed a national health resource mapping exercise to better inform budget decisions for the 2026 fiscal year. Conducted with support from the Global Fund and Last Mile Health, the effort identified financial flows, infrastructure, equipment, and available human resources. The aim is to address funding gaps and improve planning in a country where foreign aid remains a central pillar. The consolidated data are intended to support new investments and enhance 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, with 17 of 26 provinces affected. Since January, more than 64,000 cases and nearly 1,900 deaths have been reported, including 340 children. Limited access to clean water and sanitation, worsened by flooding and armed conflict in the east, fuels transmission.
With international support, health authorities are working to strengthen medical care and community prevention, but needs remain substantial. The outbreak underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure to prevent recurring crises.
Rift Valley Fever Spreads Across Most of Mauritania
Mauritania reports widespread Rift Valley fever transmission, with 286 human cases in 2025 (including 53 confirmed) and 15 deaths. The disease affects 14 of the country’s 15 regions, with around 200 animal cases also documented. Mosquito bites and contact with infected livestock drive transmission, impacting both health and the pastoral economy.
The WHO supports a One Health approach, linking veterinary, health, and environmental services. Mobile teams, refurbished isolation units, and community information campaigns have been deployed to contain spread and minimize economic losses in livestock.
Persistent Diphtheria Outbreak Hits Children in Somalia
Somalia is experiencing a diphtheria resurgence, with more than 1,000 children infected and at least 50 deaths recently reported. Since January, over 3,200 cases have reached health facilities, with 40% among children under five. The current wave is seen as a continuation of the 2023 epidemic, with ongoing transmission in several districts. A targeted vaccination campaign is planned in Banadir in mid-December to curb spread.
The Ministry of Health urges families to vaccinate their children, noting that low vaccination coverage is a key driver of the resurgence in a country with fragile health systems.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
