AFRICA & HEALTH TODAY Continental Public Health Monitoring -

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Afiya Magazine – Afiyafrica

📅 Edition: February 10 – March 6, 2026

📍 Coverage: Africa-wide health developments

🎯 Audience: Health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and development partners

Africa’s Health Landscape: Between Epidemic Vigilance and Rising Health Sovereignty

Recent public health developments across Africa highlight a continent navigating complex challenges while strengthening its strategic health autonomy.

In several regions, authorities are responding to outbreaks of infectious diseases as well as the growing health impacts of climate-related disasters such as flooding. At the same time, governments and regional institutions are accelerating initiatives aimed at strengthening health systems, expanding pharmaceutical production capacity, and improving equitable access to care.

This evolving landscape signals a growing continental ambition: to build resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to crises while reducing reliance on imported medical technologies and medicines.

🦠 Epidemic Surveillance Update

Cholera Resurgence in Southern Africa

A number of Southern African countries are currently experiencing a resurgence of Cholera, often associated with flooding and disruptions in water supply systems.

With technical support from the World Health Organization, national health authorities have intensified their response through:

expanded community prevention campaigns

reinforcement of cholera treatment centers

deployment of oral cholera vaccination programs

Key Indicators

• More than 1 million people affected by flooding across the region

• Rising incidence of waterborne diseases

• Ongoing cholera vaccination campaigns

🧬 Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mpox Situation Improving Across the Continent

The epidemiological situation regarding Mpox has improved in recent months. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has therefore announced the lifting of the continental public health emergency status related to the outbreak.

Despite this positive development, health authorities continue to maintain enhanced surveillance measures to prevent a potential resurgence of the virus.

💊 Therapeutic Innovation

Toward Local Production of HIV Prevention Treatments

In South Africa, discussions are underway regarding the potential local production of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication used for the prevention of HIV infection.

This initiative is aligned with the pharmaceutical sovereignty strategy promoted by the African Union, which aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to manufacture essential medicines locally.

Key Data

• Approximately 25 million people are living with HIV in Africa

• Nearly 65% of global HIV infections occur on the continent

🌍 Regional Health Snapshot

North Africa

Morocco continues major reforms aimed at expanding universal health coverage.

Egypt is advancing its universal health insurance system while strengthening domestic pharmaceutical production.

Tunisia remains a regional hub for medical tourism.

West Africa

In Burkina Faso, combating Malaria and improving maternal health remain national priorities.

Nigeria is strengthening vaccination campaigns and epidemiological surveillance systems.

Senegal continues investing in biomedical research capacity.

Central Africa

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is reinforcing its epidemic surveillance systems following recurrent outbreaks.

Cameroon is modernizing early warning systems for infectious diseases.

East Africa

Kenya is expanding telemedicine initiatives to improve healthcare access in rural areas.

Rwanda continues pioneering medical drone delivery systems for medicines and blood products.

Southern Africa

Recent flooding has placed additional pressure on healthcare infrastructure in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, increasing the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

🧠 Health Innovation in Africa

Africa’s digital health ecosystem continues to grow rapidly, with several startups developing solutions to improve diagnostics and patient care.

Kenya – Labtracka

An online diagnostic platform that connects patients with laboratories, allowing users to book medical tests and choose between home sample collection or laboratory visits.

Nigeria – MyQura

A digital healthcare platform connecting patients requiring continuous medical monitoring—such as individuals with chronic illnesses or post-surgical recovery needs—with healthcare professionals including nurses and physiotherapists.

⚡ Five Key Health Updates

1- Cholera cases are rising in Southern Africa.

2- The Africa CDC has lifted the continental emergency status for Mpox.

3- South Africa is considering local production of a long-acting injectable HIV prevention treatment.

4- Universal health coverage reforms continue across North Africa.

5- Digital health innovations are expanding rapidly in East Africa.

📅 African Health Agenda

March 3 — World Hearing Day

Led by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about hearing loss prevention.

March 8 — International Women’s Day

March 10 — World Kidney Day

March 21 — World Down Syndrome Awareness Day

March 24 — World Tuberculosis Day

March 30 — World Bipolar Disorder Day

🧑‍⚕️ Profile: A Leader in African Public Health

John Nkengasong

Cameroonian virologist John Nkengasong, former Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, remains one of the most influential figures in African public health leadership.

During his tenure, the institution played a critical role in coordinating Africa’s response to major health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and several emerging epidemics.

He was also appointed Special Envoy for Africa by the World Health Organization, reflecting his leadership in strengthening continental cooperation in health security.

📊 Health Indicator of the Month

25 Million

This is the estimated number of people living with HIV across the African continent.

📈 Afiya Health Analysis

Three Major Trends to Watch

1. Strengthening epidemic surveillance systems

African countries are investing more in early warning and response systems.

2. Growing health impacts of climate change

Floods, droughts, and environmental disruptions are increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.

3. The rise of African pharmaceutical sovereignty

Several countries are exploring local manufacturing of vaccines and medicines.

AFIYA MAGAZINE – Afiyafrica