Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health has started installation of solar–powered cold chain refrigerators, in a move that officials say will help save the millions of doses of vaccines that go to waste every year. While flagging off the equipment, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng …
Read More »Experts Warn: Africa could record more high risk diseases in 2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | THE INDEPENDENT | Officials at the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have reported an increase in high-risk events, saying many countries on the continent are currently experiencing multiple outbreaks. Speaking during the weekly press conference, Professor Yap Boum II, the Deputy Head …
Read More »MPOX: African deaths surpass 1,800 amid health emergencies
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA | Xinhua | The death toll from Africa’s ongoing mpox outbreak has surpassed 1,800, as the number of cases reported since the beginning of 2024 approaches the 150,000 mark, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). During an online media briefing …
Read More »WHO: Mpox still emergency of international concern
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced that the mpox upsurge continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) outlined in the International Health Regulations (IHR). This latest revelation follows the fourth meeting …
Read More »Africa CDC: Africa records over 2,400 cholera deaths in 2025
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA | Xinhua | Africa has recorded more than 2,400 deaths due to ongoing cholera outbreaks in different parts of the continent in 2025, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said. During an online media briefing on Thursday night, Yap Boum II, deputy …
Read More »Africa CDC, WHO update mpox strategy
As outbreaks persist, strategy focuses on controlling outbreaks, while expanding vaccination ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | Africa CDC and WHO have updated their Joint Continental Response Plan for the mpox emergency as the disease continues to affect new areas. The revised strategy focuses on controlling outbreaks, while expanding vaccination coverage and transitioning …
Read More »Mpox testing gaps raise risk of cross-border spread
Scientists raise alarm about new variants, urge national disease testing ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | Foreign aid cuts could result in a major outbreak of mpox across the African continent and beyond, with virus control measures already disrupted, public health experts warn. Mpox testing and monitoring efforts in hotspot areas like the …
Read More »Tackling Africa’s vaccine supply and demand puzzle
How should continental vaccine manufacturers handle complex dynamics of supply and demand? ANALYSIS | The African Union has embarked on one of its most audacious health security missions: Ensuring that the continent manufactures 60% of its own vaccines by 2040. Africa currently manufactures a lowly 1% of the vaccines. However, since …
Read More »Inside the economics of vaccine manufacturing
Why not all African countries should venture into vaccine business ANALYSIS | The African Union has embarked on one of its most audacious health security missions: Ensuring that the continent manufactures 60% of its own vaccines by 2040. Africa currently manufactures a lowly 1% of the vaccines. However, since April 2021, …
Read More »Africa CDC: Mpox deaths reach 1,724 in Africa since 2024
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA | Xinhua | The death toll from Africa’s ongoing mpox outbreak has reached 1,724 since the beginning of 2024, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). During an online media briefing on Thursday evening, Ngashi Ngongo, chief of staff and head of …
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