Health

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.

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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 .

The Tanzania Ministry of Health, through the Office of the Chief Government Medical Officer, Dr. Grace Magembe, has issued a warning following a rise in Covid-19 infections in the country over the past three months.

The statement indicates that the number of Covid-19 cases increased from two (2) out of 139 people tested—equivalent to 1.4 percent—in February, to 31 out of 185 people tested in April, equivalent to 16.8 percent.

Some health stakeholders have offered advice on how to take precautions against the virus, while citizens have shared their reactions. Follow here on Azam Media  .

Mpox has spread along the Busia-Malaba border that links eastern Uganda and western Kenya, with risk factors centred on cross-border mobility. Community responses to Mpox are shaped by access to information on radio, television and social media as well as local terminologies, understandings of disease etiology, spiritual and religious beliefs, household structures and cross-border mobility patterns. Despite vaccine allocations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the response has been hindered by resource constraints, mistrust and cross-border challenges. This brief published on the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform summarises findings on how Mpox is perceived and managed in the Busia-Malaba border region. It draws on a rapid review of qualitative data, local media, non-governmental organisation (NGO) and academic reports, and cultural histories based on long-term research in the region. Read more here  .

African countries like Uganda and South Africa are rewriting the rules of emergency response. The rest of the world must follow – or fall behind.

As global health faces rising threats from pandemics, climate change, and conflict, African countries like Uganda and South Africa are offering critical lessons by integrating immunisation into broader emergency preparedness systems. Immunisation must be seen not merely as a tool to prevent disease, but as foundational infrastructure for pandemic preparedness and response (PPR). With trusted community networks, robust cold chain logistics, and real-time data systems, immunisation programmes are uniquely positioned to serve as early warning and rapid response mechanisms.

Uganda and South Africa exemplify this shift. Uganda leveraged its immunisation system during COVID-19 to enhance surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccine rollout—proving the value of integrating health security with routine services. South Africa adopted a whole-of-government approach, aligning its vaccination efforts with disaster management strategies and digital health platforms. These examples show that when countries treat immunisation as core public infrastructure, they build more resilient and responsive health systems.

Yet global frameworks still largely treat immunisation as a siloed vertical rather than a pillar of health security. As the World Health Assembly prepares to discuss the Pandemic Accord, there’s a risk of missing a pivotal opportunity to embed vaccines in the heart of preparedness planning. Delivering on the WHO’s Immunisation Agenda 2030 requires political will, integrated financing, and community leadership. Africa is showing the way—now the world must follow.

Read full article from Health Policy Watch 

As much of the Greater Horn of Africa braces for warmer-than-usual temperatures and reduced rainfall, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) forecasts significantly higher-than-average rainfall in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Tanzania during the week of 13–20 May 2025.

According to ICPAC's latest regional weather outlook, these three areas stand out as exceptions in an otherwise drier-than-average week across most of the region. Rainfall in these zones is expected to exceed seasonal norms, with some locations in eastern Tanzania likely experiencing exceptional rainfall surpassing the 90th percentile – meaning rainfall totals higher than 90% of historical records for this time of year.

Other regions expected to receive moderate rainfall (50–200 mm) include central to western South Sudan, central Kenya, parts of central Somalia, western Ethiopia, and eastern Tanzania. However, light rainfall (less than 50 mm) is forecast over most of Uganda, southern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and southern South Sudan.

The rainfall distribution comes with stark anomalies. More than usual rainfall is anticipated over most parts of Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Tanzania, and parts of central and northern South Sudan. Meanwhile, a notable rainfall deficit is projected over most of Uganda, southeastern South Sudan, western Kenya, and much of Somalia and southern Ethiopia – raising concerns for water availability and agricultural productivity in those regions.

This divergence in rainfall patterns may strain already vulnerable farming systems, especially in areas dependent on seasonal rains for crop planting and water replenishment.

At the same time, much of the Greater Horn of Africa will experience warmer-than-usual temperatures, with anomalies exceeding 2.5°C above average in northern and eastern Sudan, northeastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. High temperatures exceeding 32°C are forecast for most of Sudan, western Eritrea, and northeastern Ethiopia.

These extreme temperatures could increase heat stress risks across a broad swathe of the region, including South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and the Afar region of Ethiopia. Prolonged heat stress not only affects human health but also puts additional pressure on livestock, agriculture, and energy needs.

The combination of excess rainfall in localized areas and persistent heat and dryness elsewhere underscores the need for region-wide climate preparedness and early warning systems. Flash floods may become a risk in areas expecting exceptional rainfall, while heatwaves and water scarcity may intensify in drier zones.

Uganda has officially declared an end to its most recent Ebola outbreak, nearly three months after the first cases were identified in the capital, Kampala.

The Ministry of Health made the announcement on 26 April 2025, confirming that 42 days had passed without any new infections—a key benchmark for declaring an outbreak over. Health officials described the development as “good news” and a testament to the country’s rapid response.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak resulted in 14 cases—12 confirmed and two classified as probable. Four deaths were recorded, including two probable cases. Ten individuals recovered.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Uganda's efforts, posting on X: “Congratulations to the government and health workers of #Uganda on ending the #Ebola outbreak,” and commending the country’s “leadership and commitment.”

The outbreak, traced to the Sudan strain of the virus, was first detected on 30 January 2025, when a male nurse contracted the virus and later died. The Sudan strain currently has no approved vaccine. This marks Uganda’s ninth Ebola outbreak since the first was recorded in 2000.

Ebola outbreaks are not uncommon in Uganda, whose tropical forests are natural reservoirs for the virus. The latest cases emerged in Kampala—a major transport hub connecting eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Health experts attribute Uganda’s relatively swift containment of the outbreak to its long-standing experience in handling such epidemics.

The DRC, another East African Community (EAC) member state, has experienced over a dozen Ebola outbreaks, including a major one from 2018 to 2020 that claimed nearly 2,300 lives. Uganda’s geographic proximity continue to pose a risk for cross-border transmission.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals and can cause symptoms including severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting blood, and internal bleeding.

WHO chief commends Uganda for end of Ebola

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQVCvnJ3bVU

Uganda triumphs over Ebola: A story of resilience, partnership and vigilance

https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/uganda-triumphs-over-ebola-story-resilience-partnership-and-vigilance

Africa CDC Commends Uganda’s Leadership in Ending Eighth Ebola Outbreak

https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-commends-ugandas-leadership-in-ending-eighth-ebola-outbreak/