Africa Reports Over 200 Disease Outbreaks in 2024
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Synopsis
The Africa CDC has reported a concerning increase in disease outbreaks across Africa, with over 200 events documented last year. The organization emphasizes the need for urgent actions to address public health emergencies effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Africa recorded over 200 disease outbreaks in 2024.
- Cholera remains the leading cause of death on the continent.
- Measles and mpox are also significant health threats.
- Investment in public health infrastructure is urgently needed.
- Collaboration is essential to manage health emergencies effectively.
Addis Ababa, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a warning about a significant increase in public health crises throughout the continent, with over 200 disease outbreaks documented last year.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya, during an online briefing on Thursday regarding the multi-country mpox outbreak and other health emergencies, underscored the critical need for unified efforts to tackle escalating public health challenges, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"We observe that the number of disease outbreaks in 2024 exceeded that of 2023... In 2024, we recorded 213 events, compared to 166 in 2023. We hope this year will yield different results than the last," Kaseya stated.
The head of Africa CDC pinpointed cholera, measles, dengue, mpox, and diphtheria as the top five high-burden diseases in Africa for 2024.
Cholera was labeled the "leading cause of death in Africa," with approximately 204,115 cholera cases and 3,747 deaths reported last year. Measles followed closely with 234,320 cases and 3,220 deaths in 2024.
Mpox ranked third in mortality among the five high-burden diseases, with 21 African nations announcing 77,888 cases and 1,321 deaths since the beginning of 2024, according to data from the African Union's specialized healthcare agency.
Kaseya emphasized the urgent requirement for Africa to better manage public health crises, citing the cumulative effects of climate change, urbanization, and various other contributing factors.
The Africa CDC leader also advocated for substantial investments in laboratory facilities, essential public health infrastructures, and local vaccine and medical equipment manufacturing. He stressed the importance of strengthening the continent's public health workforce, enhancing genomic sequencing for priority diseases, and fortifying national public health institutes to improve their capacity in handling health emergencies.
"We are monitoring disease trends in Africa, and we possess precise knowledge of what is occurring, when, and where, enabling us to respond effectively by supporting our members," Kaseya remarked.
