Alerts

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, spanning 30,000 square kilometers across Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, is a vital habitat with diverse landscapes, including savannahs, grasslands, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. This ecosystem hosts the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores journey annually in search of food and water. This migration sustains numerous predators like lions and cheetahs, maintaining an ecological balance that exemplifies the region’s biodiversity. The ecosystem also supports species like elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a rich variety of bird species, creating a unique setting for intricate ecological interactions.

However, climate change threatens the stability of this ecosystem. A study featured in The Guardian, conducted by a research team from universities in Europe, IUCN, and Kenya Meteorological Department has examined the Mara-Serengeti’s weather patterns since 1913, noting increased temperatures, variable rainfall, and recurring severe droughts over recent decades. Average minimum temperatures have risen significantly, with Narok Town showing a 5.3°C increase from 1960 to 2024. Rainfall has also increased, alongside more frequent and intense droughts and floods, all of which are straining resources vital for wildlife and communities alike.

Global climate systems, especially the Southern Oscillation Index (which influences El Niño and La Niña events) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), have exacerbated these extreme weather conditions. Since 1970, El Niño and La Niña events have become more intense and frequent, leading to unpredictable rainfall and drought cycles in East Africa. Additionally, a warming Indian Ocean has strengthened the IOD, contributing to more frequent severe floods and droughts. These intensified climate patterns, driven by global warming, disrupt traditional migration and breeding cycles, reduce water and vegetation availability, and heighten competition between wildlife and human communities.

The impact on the ecosystem is profound. Wildlife populations are declining as animals face shrinking habitats and limited resources. Field observations, historical data from Kenya’s Game Department, and district records show that extreme weather events have repeatedly coincided with notable shifts in wildlife distribution and population. The researchers systematically ruled out other factors like poaching, pollution, or disease, confirming that climate change is the main driver.

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem stands at a critical juncture. Conservation efforts must adapt to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the long-term resilience of this biodiverse landscape. Balancing the needs of both wildlife and local communities is essential to preserving the ecosystem's health and supporting those who depend on it.

Read full article in The Guardian on this link .

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to face a significant Mpox outbreak, with 23 of its 26 provinces reporting confirmed cases. According to a recent UNICEF Mpox situational report, as of October 2024, over 31,350 suspected cases and 992 deaths have been recorded, with a case fatality rate of 3.1%. In response, the report indicates, UNICEF has launched a vaccination campaign in eight health zones across three provinces, reaching 14,180 people, mostly frontline workers. However, testing challenges and limited resources hinder the ability to fully control the outbreak, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Eastern provinces, such as South Kivu and North Kivu, are witnessing a rise in case fatality rates, exacerbated by overcrowding, inadequate WASH infrastructure, and frequent cross-border movement. Vulnerable children, particularly those facing malnutrition or undiagnosed HIV, are at heightened risk of severe Mpox outcomes. Meanwhile, new hotspots continue to emerge in provinces like Haut Uele and Ituri.

In Tshopo province, where 79 deaths have been reported, UNICEF, in collaboration with local partners, has established nine treatment centers to curb the outbreak. Despite these efforts, the province still struggles with a high case fatality rate of 4.9%. UNICEF’s efforts to disseminate preventive messages have reached over 43 million people nationwide, raising awareness through various media channels.

The Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) prompted swift action, with the arrival of 99,100 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine in early September 2024. This critical shipment, facilitated by Africa CDC and UNICEF, marked the beginning of a large-scale vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. The DRC’s Minister of Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, alongside key officials from Africa CDC and UNICEF, emphasized the importance of this milestone in protecting vulnerable populations, especially frontline health workers. The vaccines are seen as a crucial tool in the fight against the escalating epidemic, which has already resulted in thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths this year.

The JYNNEOS vaccine rollout follows Africa CDC's declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) in August 2024. The vaccination campaign is part of a broader effort by the DRC Ministry of Health and international partners to mitigate the crisis, with a focus on protecting children and high-risk groups. By mid-September, the DRC is expected to have received a total of 200,000 vaccine doses. These actions underscore the commitment of African and international health organizations to control the outbreak and safeguard the health of communities across the country.

Read more from UNICEF Democratic Republic of the Congo Humanitarian Situation Report No. 2 (Mpox) of September - October 2024 on this link .
 

In the past 24 hours, Uganda has confirmed 11 new Mpox cases, bringing the total to 164 cases since the outbreak began, with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.6%. Among the confirmed cases, 13 patients are being moved to treatment units across districts including Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kasese, and Wakiso. Tragically, one death has been recorded. Several districts, such as Adjumani, Kabale, and Mbarara, continue to host active admissions as health authorities ramp up efforts to control the outbreak. For further details, refer to the WHO Mpox Outbreak Situation Update from October 21, 2024.

Read more from WHO Mpox Outbreak in Uganda situation update of 21 October 2024 on this link . 

Read EAC calls for heightened public awareness to combat spread of Mpox on this link .

Rwanda has reported no new Marburg virus infections or deaths for nearly a week, according to the country’s health minister.

Speaking to reporters in Kigali, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana confirmed that there has been no "community transmission" of the virus. He emphasized that all positive cases so far have come from known contacts of infected individuals.

Nsanzimana highlighted that the last six days have seen no new cases or fatalities, attributing the control of the outbreak to the effective identification and isolation of those exposed. This, he noted, is crucial in halting the spread of haemorrhagic fevers like Marburg. See latest updates from Rwanda Ministry of Health on this link . 

On January 11, 2023, Uganda officially declared the end of the Ebola outbreak caused by the Sudan ebolavirus, following 42 consecutive days without any new cases since the last patient was discharged from care.

In total, there were 142 confirmed cases of Sudan virus disease (SVD), resulting in 55 deaths (a case fatality rate of 39%), while 87 individuals recovered. Additionally, 22 deaths were reported among probable cases, individuals who passed away before samples could be collected, bringing the overall case fatality rate to 47%. Among the affected were 19 healthcare workers, seven of whom tragically died.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 4,000 contacts were monitored for 21 days during the outbreak.

The virus spread across nine districts in Uganda, including Bunyangabu, Jinja, Kagadi, Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Masaka, Mubende, and Wakiso.

Background

On 20 September 2022, the Ministry of Health in Uganda, together with WHO AFRO, confirmed an outbreak of SVD in Mubende District, Uganda, after one fatal case was confirmed. 

The index case was a 24-year-old man, a resident of Ngabano village of the Madudu sub-county in Mubende District. The patient experienced high fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and began vomiting blood on 11 September 2022. Samples were collected on 17 September 2022 and SVD was laboratory-confirmed on 19 September. The patient died on the same day, five days after hospitalisation. 

This was the fifth SVD outbreak that occurred in Uganda.

What is Ebola?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare, severe, and often fatal illness in humans. The disease was first identified in 1976 during two simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the Ebola River, from which it takes its name. Ebola is caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family, which includes three genera: Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus, and Ebolavirus. There are six species of Ebolavirus: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Taï Forest, Reston, and Bombali.

Transmission

Ebola is thought to be spread to humans from infected animals, particularly fruit bats, which are considered the natural hosts. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with blood, organs, or other bodily fluids from animals like chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, or forest antelopes. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids of infected individuals or contaminated objects, like clothing or bedding.

Health-care workers and individuals involved in burial ceremonies are at increased risk of infection. Ebola can also be sexually transmitted after recovery, and pregnant women may still carry the virus in breast milk or pregnancy-related fluids after recovery.

Symptoms

Ebola symptoms typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and begin with fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. This progresses to vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and both internal and external bleeding. People can only transmit the virus once symptoms develop, and those who recover may experience long-term symptoms such as joint pain, memory loss, and vision problems.

Diagnosis

Distinguishing Ebola from other diseases like malaria or typhoid fever can be difficult. Diagnosis is confirmed through methods such as:

Antibody-capture ELISA

Antigen-capture detection tests

RT-PCR assay

Electron microscopy

Virus isolation by cell culture

Treatment

Immediate medical care is essential for improving survival rates. Treatment includes fluids, pain management, and medications for secondary infections. An effective vaccine exists for the Zaire species of Ebola, and antibodies administered intravenously increase the chance of survival. Research continues on vaccines and treatments for other species of Ebola.

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures include regular handwashing, avoiding contact with body fluids of infected individuals, safe burial practices, and vaccination for those at risk of the Zaire Ebola species. Outbreak containment relies on a combination of case management, contact tracing, safe burials, and community engagement. Health-care workers must follow strict infection control measures to prevent transmission.

WHO Recommendations

WHO emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and following guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission. Laboratory samples should only be handled by trained professionals in properly equipped facilities. Health-care workers should use personal protective equipment and follow standard precautions at all times.

More details on this link .

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has released its October to December 2024 seasonal forecast, revealing contrasting weather patterns across East Africa. Drier-than-normal conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the region, particularly in southern Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and central and southern Tanzania. These areas face increased risks of drought, which could exacerbate food insecurity and affect livelihoods. On the other hand, western parts, including northern Uganda, western Kenya, northern Tanzania, southern Burundi, and parts of Rwanda, are predicted to receive above-normal rainfall, likely boosting agricultural productivity and water availability.

This forecast highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to mitigate the impacts of these climate extremes. Warmer-than-average temperatures are also expected across the region, with the highest probabilities in eastern Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In contrast, cooler conditions are anticipated in northern Tanzania and parts of Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. Experts, including IGAD's Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, stress the importance of early warning systems and preparedness efforts to address the region's food security challenges and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change.

Read more on this link . 

Burundi’s Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak on Wednesday, 6th September 2023, with 15 cases reported in the western part of the country, an area prone to water shortages.

Polycarpe Ndayizeye, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health and AIDS Control, confirmed that cholera patients had been admitted to hospitals and treatment centers in the municipality of Bujumbura. He called on authorities, residents of affected areas such as Bujumbura, Gatumba, and Rugombo, and all stakeholders to collaborate in combating the outbreak. Residents, especially those in impacted districts, were urged to strictly adhere to hygiene practices to help contain the disease.

Earlier this year, cholera claimed two lives in Bujumbura’s health district, notably at Kajaga beach on Lake Tanganyika. Water shortages, particularly during the dry season from May to September, exacerbate the risk of cholera outbreaks in Burundi’s western region.

Causative agent

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It produces a toxin that targets the intestines, leading to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not all strains of V. cholerae cause illness; only specific toxin-producing strains are responsible for cholera outbreaks.

How cholera spreads

Cholera spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation or limited access to clean water. The bacterium thrives in environments where drinking water, food, or sanitation is compromised, often after natural disasters or in densely populated areas.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cholera typically manifest within 2-5 days after exposure and include:

Profuse watery diarrhea (often described as “rice-water stools”)

Vomiting

Rapid dehydration

Muscle cramps

Severe thirst

If untreated, cholera can lead to shock and even death within hours due to the rapid loss of fluids.

Preventive measures

Preventing cholera requires addressing the core issues of water and sanitation. The WHO, Africa CDC, and US CDC recommend the following preventive actions:

Ensuring access to safe drinking water by boiling, treating with chlorine, or using bottled water

Proper disposal of human waste

Regular handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the bathroom

Safe food handling, including thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables

Vaccination in high-risk areas, although vaccines alone are not a substitute for proper hygiene and sanitation practices

What to do if you get cholera

Immediate rehydration is crucial in treating cholera. The WHO recommends:

Drinking Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution to replace lost fluids and electrolytes

Seeking medical care immediately if severe symptoms like frequent vomiting or extreme diarrhea occur

In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary if oral hydration is insufficient

Treatment

Cholera treatment primarily focuses on rehydration. Antibiotics can also be prescribed in more severe cases to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the volume of diarrhea. Zinc supplements are also recommended for children to aid recovery. Access to adequate treatment dramatically reduces cholera’s mortality rate to less than 1%, according to the WHO.

Regional impact

Burundi is not alone in facing cholera outbreaks. A recent update from the WHO African Region, as of August, 2023 reported cholera cases across 15 countries. Among the latest outbreaks, six countries—Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe—account for over 200 new cases. While the overall trend in the region is declining, WHO and other public health authorities urge countries to bolster surveillance, readiness, and community-based prevention measures, especially around border crossings to limit cross-border infections.

Read more here: Cholera in the WHO African Region

https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373305/AFRO-Cholerabulletin30.pdf

The United States has committed $4.1 million (15 billion UGX) and 5,500 mpox tests to support Uganda's response to the Mpox outbreak. The funding will be channeled through various partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the University Research Collaborative (URC). Additionally, $1.7 million will support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in managing mpox screenings at Uganda’s border crossings, refugee settlements, and host communities. This effort is part of the broader U.S.-Uganda partnership to strengthen health systems and prevent the spread of the virus.

U.S. Ambassador William Popp emphasized the importance of a healthy Uganda, noting that the U.S. partnership aims to build Uganda’s long-term capacity to respond to health crises. The U.S. has a longstanding role in Uganda’s healthcare, having helped establish over 70 accredited laboratories since 2015. In refugee areas, the U.S. funds screening efforts and builds treatment centers, and U.S. agencies continue to assist Uganda's Emergency Operations Centers. For more details, read the full press release .

The UK has announced a significant package of support to help tackle the outbreaks of Mpox and Marburg virus in central Africa. This includes up to £9 million in funding to bolster efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and other affected countries. UK experts from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team have been deployed to provide technical expertise to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, assisting in strengthening surveillance systems, healthcare services, and community awareness. Additionally, the UK is collaborating with Rwanda to support its response to the Marburg virus outbreak, mobilizing £1.9 million in aid to provide expertise and enhance outbreak management.

This assistance comes at a critical time, as Africa faces significant public health challenges from both diseases. The UK's partnership with organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Africa CDC aims to not only respond to these immediate threats but also build long-term resilience in healthcare systems across the region. The funds will contribute to saving lives, protecting vulnerable communities, and strengthening health systems to safeguard the continent against future outbreaks.

Read more on this link . 

The number of recoveries from the Marburg virus in Rwanda has reached 30, while the total number of vaccinated individuals stands at 876 as of Thursday, October 17, according to the Ministry of Health.

An update from the ministry also confirmed 62 cases of the virus, including 15 deaths and 4 patients currently in isolation receiving treatment (down from 17 earlier in the week).

A total of 4,486 tests have been conducted so far.

Since the outbreak was first declared on September 27, all new confirmed cases have been linked to the hospital cluster in Kigali, and affected individuals remain in isolation and treatment.

Read Ministry of Health's update here .