ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 18 (AGCNewsNet) – Africa reported over 200 disease outbreaks in 2024, with cholera emerging as the deadliest, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced. This figure marks a significant increase from 166 outbreaks recorded in 2023, raising alarm among global health experts about the continent’s growing public health challenges.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya highlighted the severity of the crises during a virtual media briefing on Thursday. Cholera led the fatality count with over 3,700 deaths from 204,100 suspected cases. Measles followed, with 3,200 deaths among more than 234,300 suspected cases.
Other significant outbreaks included mpox, dengue, and diphtheria, rounding out the top five diseases with the highest burdens. Mpox, in particular, was declared a continental health emergency in August 2024, reflecting its growing impact across multiple countries.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, principal adviser to the Africa CDC Director-General, emphasized that cholera cases have surged continent-wide due to poor access to clean water and sanitation. Climate-related events such as floods and droughts have exacerbated the crisis by reducing access to safe water sources.
“Around 12% of confirmed cholera cases in Africa last year resulted in death,” Ngongo noted, adding that the global shortage of oral cholera vaccines has worsened the situation. Africa CDC is pushing for local manufacturing of these vaccines to mitigate future shortages.
Weak healthcare systems and limited access to essential health supplies have contributed to high mortality rates. The gaps in vaccination coverage have also fueled measles outbreaks, which are on the rise globally.
Jean Kaseya urged unified efforts to tackle the continent’s public health emergencies, calling for strengthened health systems, improved access to vaccines, and robust disease surveillance mechanisms.
Africa’s rising disease outbreaks are a concern for the global health community. Experts warn that without significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and vaccination programs, the continent will continue to grapple with preventable disease-related fatalities.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including the Africa CDC’s plans to manufacture vaccines locally and calls for international collaboration to combat systemic issues in healthcare delivery.
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