Health

The East African Community (EAC) Rapidly Deployable Experts (RDE) Pool is emerging as a central pillar in strengthening health workforce development and regional health security in East Africa. Established with support from the German Government through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the PanPrep Project, the RDE Pool is a structured database and deployment system of trained public health and emergency professionals drawn from across EAC Partner States. It enables rapid, cross-border mobilisation of expertise in response to outbreaks such as Mpox, anthrax, Ebola and Marburg Virus Disease, while also investing in long-term workforce development.

Beyond emergency deployments, the RDE Pool functions as a continuous professional development platform. It supports experts throughout recruitment, training, deployment and post-deployment learning, building institutional memory and harmonised regional standards. Anchored in a One Health approach, the mechanism integrates human, animal and environmental health professionals, fostering a multidisciplinary and coordinated response to complex disease threats that frequently cross borders within the region.

A key example of its impact was the Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) and Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative conducted in Entebbe, Uganda, in late 2025. Experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda collaborated using the WHO Tripartite JRA framework to assess anthrax risks and develop mitigation measures. In parallel, over 100 frontline professionals were trained in infection prevention and control (IPC), clinical management, risk communication and outbreak coordination, with RDE members serving as both trainers and trainees to ensure national-level cascade training.

The RDE Pool has also played a critical role in IPC capacity-building during recent outbreaks. Regional trainings in Mwanza, Tanzania, and Lodwar, Kenya, strengthened preparedness for Marburg Virus Disease and Mpox, bringing together health workers from multiple countries and institutions. Through partnerships with organizations such as Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), WHO and other technical partners, the RDE platform enhances interoperability, trust and speed of response across borders.

Overall, the RDE Pool represents a strategic regional asset for health security. By investing in a skilled, mobile and harmonised workforce before crises occur, the EAC is not only improving outbreak response but also building a resilient, future-ready regional health system. As infectious disease threats continue to transcend national boundaries, the RDE mechanism demonstrates how regional cooperation can translate into practical, people-centred solutions that protect health and strengthen preparedness across East Africa.

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The Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania has issued a public notice alerting citizens about rising cases of severe influenza and COVID-19, increased risk of dengue fever during the rainy season, and the continued threat of cholera despite recent progress in controlling the outbreak.

In a statement issued by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Grace E. Magembe, the Ministry emphasized the importance of preventive measures and early health-seeking behavior to reduce the spread of epidemic-prone diseases.

Seasonal increase in influenza and COVID-19 cases

The Ministry reported a recent rise in severe influenza and COVID-19 cases, which are transmitted through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include high fever, cough, headache, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue.

Surveillance data indicate that Tanzania, like many countries globally, experiences seasonal peaks in respiratory infections between November and April.

Citizens are advised to:

Cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Wash hands regularly with soap or use hand sanitizers

Avoid unnecessary crowds

Wear masks when symptomatic, near symptomatic individuals, or in crowded settings

Maintain personal and environmental hygiene

Seek early medical care and avoid self-medication, especially misuse of antibiotics

WHO resources:

COVID-19 guidance: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Influenza guidance: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme

Dengue fever risk During the rainy season

The Ministry also warned about dengue fever, noting that the ongoing rainy season increases mosquito breeding sites. Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the day and early evening. Symptoms include high fever, headache, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and fatigue—often similar to malaria.

The public is urged to:

Eliminate stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites

Wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellents

Install window screens and use other protective measures

Seek early medical treatment if symptoms occur

WHO resource:

• Dengue fact sheet and guidance: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

Continued vigilance against Cholera

The Ministry reported that Tanzania has not recorded cholera cases for approximately one month following a nationwide outbreak that affected all regions except Kilimanjaro and Njombe. Authorities acknowledged the contributions of government sectors, religious institutions, community leaders, journalists, private sector actors, international partners coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), and health professionals in controlling the outbreak. However, ongoing rains and cholera infections in neighboring countries mean Tanzania remains at risk.

Citizens are urged to continue preventive measures, including:

Boiling or treating drinking water with approved tablets (e.g., Aquatabs, WaterGuard)

Regular handwashing with soap

Washing fruits and avoiding unsafe or unhygienically prepared food

Using improved toilets and keeping them clean

Protecting water sources from contamination

Maintaining a clean environment and proper waste disposal

WHO resource:

• Cholera guidance and fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera

Government preparedness and public cooperation

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed that the Government is prepared to monitor and respond to epidemic-prone diseases and will provide regular updates if infection trends change or additional measures are required.

The Ministry called on all citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidance, and seek timely medical care to protect themselves and their communities.

Read more: Tanzania Ministry of Health Press Release

The Uganda Ministry of Health has confirmed an anthrax outbreak in Lyantonde District in southern Central Uganda, according to a local media report.

Health officials say 10 samples were collected from Kaliiro, Kasagama, and Lyantonde sub-counties, of which three tested positive for Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax.

Authorities report four people have died so far and two confirmed cases are being treated.

"We received reports of a strange disease killing people in several sub-counties. Our investigations show that most affected individuals had contact with livestock that died suddenly," Dr Fred Walugembe, leading the surveillance team, said.

Health officials urged residents to avoid slaughtering animals that die mysteriously and to purchase meat only inspected and stamped by certified veterinary officers.

Livestock farmers in affected areas have expressed growing concern over the outbreak, calling on the government to rollout mass vaccination.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Many different types of animals, as well as people, can get the disease.

In animals, signs of the illness usually appear 3 to 7 days after the spores are swallowed or inhaled. Once signs begin in animals, they usually die within two days. Infected animals may stagger, have difficulty breathing, tremble, and finally collapse and die within a few hours. Sometimes animals may have a fever and a period of excitement followed by staggering, depression, unconsciousness (lacking awareness), difficulty breathing, seizures, and death. Dark blood may ooze from the mouth, nose, and anus.

Handling or eating a dead or sick animal infected with anthrax can transmit anthrax to humans and other animals. Anthrax is not spread by sneezing or coughing. Person-to-person spread of the disease is unlikely.
 

Read more:

Q and A on Anthrax

Fighting Anthrax through mindset change on health seeking behavior

Anthrax Outbreaks in Kyotera District, Uganda: Implications for public health emergency preparedness
 

The 16th outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is showing signs of stabilisation, according to the Ebola – Operation Update #2 (MDRCD047) issued by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The situation report, published on 2 November 2025.

According to the report, the outbreak—declared on 4 September 2025 by the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention—has affected Kasai Province, with Bulape and Dikolo health areas serving as the epicentres. These two areas account for approximately 78% of all reported cases. Since the previous operational update, DRC has recorded 64 cumulative cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable infections.

As of 20 October 2025, epidemiological data indicate that the outbreak in the Bulape health zone is increasingly under control. The last active patient was discharged from the Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) on 19 October, triggering the mandatory 42-day countdown required before health authorities can declare the end of the outbreak. If no new infections are detected, the outbreak could be declared over by the end of November 2025. The IFRC stresses that strong surveillance and continued preparedness remain essential during this phase.

Vaccination efforts have also progressed, with 36,975 people vaccinated to date. However, the report highlights persistent gaps in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) measures. Limited access to affected locations, inadequate water supply, poor waste management, and the need for additional training for frontline workers continue to pose challenges.

The IFRC warns that addressing these vulnerabilities is critical to preventing any resurgence of Ebola in the region.

Source: IFRC – Ebola: Operation Update #2 (MDRCD047), 2 November 2025
 

Ethiopia has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) after laboratory tests identified the deadly virus in samples from patients in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State—an area with active movement and trade links to Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. The location of the outbreak and high mobility across borders pose a heightened risk of cross-border transmission into neighbouring East African Community (EAC) Partner States, prompting regional health authorities to strengthen surveillance and preparedness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) first announced suspected viral haemorrhagic fever on 12 November, before confirming the outbreak two days later.

According to WHO, as of 20 November, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, with six cases confirmed positive for Marburg virus. Three of the confirmed patients have died, while three others remain alive and are receiving treatment. In addition, three epidemiologically linked individuals who could not be tested have died and are classified as probable cases. A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and follow-up efforts are ongoing as the situation evolves.

Early clinical reports indicate that patients have presented with high fever, severe headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and watery or bloody diarrhoea. Five patients exhibited haemorrhagic symptoms such as nosebleeds and vomiting blood—signs consistent with multi-organ failure often seen in severe Marburg infections.

Initial investigations by Ethiopia’s One Health teams have detected the presence of fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), the natural reservoir of Marburg virus, in the affected area. However, the precise source of the outbreak is yet to be determined. Health authorities are racing to contain the spread of the disease. WHO is supporting national response teams on surveillance, case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory strengthening, case management, IPC and RCCE. 

Regional implications: Heightened vigilance required for EAC border regions

Jinka town lies within a major mobility corridor connecting Ethiopia to Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, with regular cross-border travel by traders, pastoralist communities and transport operators. This proximity increases the risk of undetected spread into EAC Partner States, particularly regions historically vulnerable to viral haemorrhagic fevers.

The EAC Secretariat, working with Partner States, Africa CDC and WHO, is expected to strengthen:

• Surveillance at points of entry, including border posts and informal crossing points
• Community-based surveillance in cross-border districts
• Information sharing and rapid alerts through existing EAC cross-border health platforms
• Preparedness and readiness measures, including pre-positioning of PPE and activation of national rapid response teams

Past outbreaks in the region have demonstrated that a single imported case—if undetected—can rapidly escalate. The current Marburg situation in Ethiopia underscores the need for coordinated regional preparedness.

About Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg and Ravn viruses, close relatives of the Ebola virus. It spreads among humans through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces or infected materials. Healthcare workers, caregivers and those involved in burial practices are at particularly high risk without strict adherence to IPC measures.

Symptoms typically appear suddenly between two and 21 days after exposure and progress from high fever and malaise to severe gastrointestinal distress. Many patients experience bleeding from multiple sites and may succumb to shock and organ failure within a week. While there are no approved treatments or vaccines, early and aggressive supportive care can significantly improve survival.

Globally, Marburg virus disease has been reported in 19 previous outbreaks, most recently in Tanzania between January and March 2025. Past outbreaks in the African region have occurred in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

WHO currently assesses the risk of the Ethiopia outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low globally. Samples from Ethiopia will be shared with international reference laboratories for further confirmation and comparison.

Read more: 

WHO Marburg virus disease - Ethiopia

Outbreak linked to climate change also what can we learn from Rwanda outbreak

Ministry of Health Ethiopia Press Release

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have declared an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province after 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, were reported. The outbreak, confirmed on 3 September 2025 as Ebola Zaire, has affected Bulape and Mweka health zones. Patients presented with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage. This marks the country’s 15th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976.

A national Rapid Response Team, joined by World Health Organization (WHO) experts, has been deployed to Kasai to strengthen surveillance, treatment, and infection prevention measures. WHO has also delivered two tonnes of supplies, including protective gear, medical equipment, and mobile labs. Given Kasai’s remote location and difficult accessibility, provincial risk communication experts are engaging with communities to promote protective measures and support the response.

The DRC has prepositioned 2000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine in Kinshasa, which will be deployed to Kasai to protect contacts and frontline health workers. Authorities and partners are scaling up efforts to trace contacts, treat cases, and prevent further transmission. This outbreak follows earlier ones in Kasai in 2007 and 2008, and in Equateur province in 2022, which was contained in under three months. Ebola remains a severe, often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with body fluids of infected persons or animals.

Read more:

WHO

Africa CDC

The recent containment of the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania highlights how years of pandemic preparedness efforts in East Africa are paying off. In March 2023, when Tanzania reported its first-ever Marburg outbreak in Bukoba, near the borders with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, the risk of cross-border spread was high. However, the East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with German development partners GIZ and KfW, was able to apply lessons learned from previous crises, including Ebola and COVID-19, to respond quickly and effectively. Crisis communication structures, rapid coordination with WHO, and immediate engagement of regional experts helped set the stage for a strong response.

Key measures included the rapid deployment of protective equipment, trained African Health Volunteers Corps members, and mobile laboratories that allowed for real-time testing near the outbreak site. These resources, funded through regional cooperation projects, drastically reduced diagnostic delays and enabled health authorities to act faster. Additionally, years of simulation exercises, cross-border outbreak drills, and workforce training meant that local health workers were better equipped to handle containment, patient care, and community engagement efforts. These preparations helped address both medical and social challenges, such as misinformation and stigma, often linked to haemorrhagic fevers.

Ultimately, Tanzania declared the outbreak over in less than three months, with only nine cases recorded. The success demonstrates the value of regional preparedness strategies, coordination across sectors, and international cooperation. Moving forward, Germany’s support continues through initiatives like establishing a regional pool of deployable experts, enhancing cooperation with Africa CDC and WHO, and strengthening long-term resilience in health security across East Africa.

Full article here: https://health.bmz.de/stories/how-its-pandemic-preparedness-helped-tanzania-to-successfully-control-a-marburg-outbreak/ 

The World Health Organization has warned a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The WHO said  it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wanted to prevent a repeat.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases it can be deadly.

"Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," said the WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez.

She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people.

"Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge: since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already," she told a press briefing in Geneva.

The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO.

Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus was now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. 

"Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia," she added.

In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France, and suspected cases detected in Italy.

"Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself," said Rojas Alvarez.

She noted that the case fatality rate was less than one percent, "but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands" of deaths.

"We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks."

Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population.

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change.

They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon.

The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed.

Read more: 
Chikungunya Fact Sheet 

Areas at Risk for Chikungunya 

Video of Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez speaking 

ICPAC Weekly Forecast 1 - 8 July 2025

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has forecasted enhanced rainfall across several parts of Eastern Africa for the week of 1–8 July 2025, with significant weather implications for communities in the region.

Rainfall Forecast Highlights

Heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm is expected in central to western Ethiopia and parts of southern Sudan. Moderate rainfall (50–200 mm) is forecasted over most of South Sudan, central to northern Uganda, western Kenya, central to western Ethiopia, western Eritrea, and southern Sudan. Light showers (below 50 mm) are likely in northern and central Sudan, eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and parts of southern Somalia.

Notably, rainfall anomalies point to wetter-than-usual conditions in parts of western Kenya, central and northern Uganda, southwestern Ethiopia, southern and central Sudan, and most of South Sudan. Conversely, drier-than-usual conditions may occur in some areas of western South Sudan, southeastern Sudan, northern Ethiopia, and western Eritrea.

Exceptional rainfall—above the 90th percentile—is expected in parts of southern Sudan, central to eastern South Sudan, western and northern Ethiopia, western Eritrea, and areas from eastern Uganda into western Kenya.

Flood Risk

The forecast indicates a high likelihood of flooding in flood-prone regions, including north-western and central Ethiopia, south-central Sudan, and north-central South Sudan.

Temperature Forecast

High temperatures above 32°C are expected across northern Sudan, the Red Sea coast, northeastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, and northwestern Somalia. Most of the region will experience moderate to high temperatures (20–32°C), while cooler conditions (below 20°C) are expected in Rwanda, Burundi, southern Uganda, central to southern Tanzania, and southwestern Kenya.

Temperature anomalies reveal cooler-than-usual conditions in eastern South Sudan, southwestern Ethiopia, and parts of Sudan, while much of the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) may experience warmer-than-usual temperatures. Elevated heat stress levels are also anticipated in northern Sudan and Ethiopia's Afar region.

For more, visit ICPAC’s East Africa Hazards Watch: ICPAC’s East Africa Hazards Watch https://www.icpac.net/

Based on article from Medical News Today

Measles, a highly contagious airborne viral disease, is resurging globally and poses serious risks to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and travelers. Because the virus can linger in enclosed spaces like buses, planes, and trains, travelers are at heightened risk, especially during outbreaks.

Experts Dr. Monica Gandhi (UCSF) and Dr. David Cutler (Providence Saint John’s Health Center) emphasize that vaccination is the most effective prevention tool. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine offers long-term immunity after two doses. Infants aged 6–11 months should get an early dose before travel, while unvaccinated teens and adults should receive two doses 28 days apart. Travelers should carry proof of vaccination and ideally receive it at least two weeks before departure.

Additional protective measures include:

i. Wearing N95 or KN95 masks in enclosed or crowded places.

ii. Practicing hand hygiene and avoiding face-touching.

iii. Ensuring ventilation, such as sitting near open windows on buses or trains.

If exposed, people should monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, and red eyes (usually appearing 7–14 days after exposure), isolate immediately, wear a mask, and seek medical attention. Supportive treatment includes rest, fluids, and fever management. In some cases, Vitamin A supplements can reduce severity. Post-exposure strategies include vaccination within 72 hours or administration of immune globulin for high-risk individuals (e.g., infants, pregnant women).

Beyond the acute phase, measles can cause long-term complications, including:

i. Immune amnesia, weakening the body’s defense against other infections.

ii. Neurological issues, such as encephalitis.

iii. Respiratory complications and possible fertility problems.

Health experts stress vigilance, early protection, and responsible travel practices to curb further spread.

Read full article here .