Latest news with #AfricaCDC
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Africa CDC warns of widespread drug resistance across Africa
ADDIS ABABA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned of widespread drug resistance on the continent, threatening to reverse decades of health and development gains. The Africa CDC, in its latest study titled "Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership," released Wednesday, said the "alarming rate" of antimicrobial resistance across 14 African countries poses an urgent continental public health threat. The study, the largest of its kind conducted in Africa, analyzed more than 187,000 test results from 205 laboratories between 2016 and 2019 in 14 countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, and Nigeria, revealing a growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics against common bacterial infections. Drug resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics used to treat infections less effective. The phenomenon results in common infections becoming harder to treat, more expensive to manage, and more likely to spread, according to the study. It highlighted drug resistance as a growing epidemic affecting multiple countries across the continent. One of the "most concerning" findings is that resistance to a powerful group of antibiotics, known as third-generation cephalosporins, is exceptionally high in Ghana and Malawi. The study also revealed demographic disparities in drug-resistant infections, with older adults and hospitalized patients being particularly vulnerable. It said the existing demographic disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions to protect at-risk populations. The Africa CDC also highlighted "serious gaps" in laboratory infrastructure and data collection systems. Findings reveal that fewer than 2 percent of health facilities were equipped to test for bacterial infections, and only 12 percent of drug resistance records were linked to patient information.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
EU invests $4.9mln to support Zimbabwe's National Public Health Institute
The European Union (EU) has committed €4.2 million to support the establishment of Zimbabwe's first National Public Health Institute (NPHI), reinforcing its partnership with Zimbabwe in building stronger and more resilient health systems. The four-year EU-funded initiative, implemented with the World Health Organization (WHO), will strengthen Zimbabwe's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Guided by the Africa CDC Framework and aligned with the Global Gateway Health Package launched at the 6th EU–AU Summit, the NPHI will focus on science, evidence generation, and data-driven policy advice rather than direct service delivery. Key priorities for the NPHI include: Developing a national strategy and roadmap for public health; Improving digital health literacy and reducing the public health skills gap; Strengthening disease surveillance and research, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes; Expanding Zimbabwe's participation in regional and international health networks. The establishment process will be highly consultative, bringing together the Ministry of Health and Child Care, universities, research institutes, and other health partners. It will also foster collaboration with African and European public health institutes that have successfully implemented similar models. This support forms part of the Team Europe Initiative on National Public Health Institutes in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Once operational, the NPHI is expected to become a cornerstone of evidence-based decision-making, improving the health and well-being of Zimbabweans. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
New Study Reveals Widespread Drug Resistance Across 14 African Countries
Results from a newly published study highlight the growing spread of drug resistance across 14 African countries, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen laboratory testing, data systems, and health planning to tackle hard-to-treat infections. The study, known as the Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP), is the largest of its kind ever conducted in Africa. It was led by a coalition including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), One Health Trust, and other regional partners. Researchers reviewed more than 187,000 test results from 205 laboratories, collected between 2016 and 2019 across Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Drug resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics—medicines used to treat infections—less effective. This means that common infections become harder to treat, more expensive to manage, and more likely to spread. The study examined bacteria that commonly cause serious illness, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. One of the most concerning findings was that resistance to a powerful group of antibiotics, known as third-generation cephalosporins, was especially high in Ghana and Malawi. In six countries, more than half of the Staphylococcus aureus samples were resistant to methicillin—an antibiotic commonly used in hospitals. In Nigeria and Ghana, resistance levels exceeded 70%. The research also showed that some groups are more likely to have drug-resistant infections. People over the age of 65 were 28 per cent more likely to have resistant infections than younger adults. Patients already admitted to hospitals had a 24 per cent higher risk, likely due to increased exposure to antibiotics. Previous use of antibiotics was also linked to higher resistance. However, the study also revealed serious gaps. Fewer than 2 per cent of health facilities were equipped to test for bacterial infections, and only 12 per cent of drug resistance records were linked to patient information. Without this kind of data, it is more difficult for health officials to understand how and why resistance is spreading. The quality of data varied between countries. Senegal had the strongest systems, while Sierra Leone struggled with data collection. Many laboratories still use handwritten records, and most lack reliable digital systems. Supported by the UK's Fleming Fund and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study calls on governments to make drug resistance a national priority by investing in better laboratories, routine testing, and stronger digital systems. Without action, the threat of drug resistance could reverse decades of health and development gains. 'For African countries, AMR remains a wicked and complex problem, leaving countries with a million-dollar question: 'Where do we start from?' This study brings to light groundbreaking AMR data for African countries. We must act now—and together—to address AMR,' said Dr Yewande Alimi, the One Health Unit Lead at Africa CDC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Set to Launch Groundbreaking Knowledge Management Portal
A year on, the ongoing mpox outbreak now affects 26 countries across Africa, up from seven initially. Containing the outbreak remains a challenge, complicated by the disease's four clades and several sub-strains, the latest of which was only identified earlier this year. For example, Clade I is typically associated with higher mortality rates and more severe illness compared to Clade II. Clade IIB is sexually transmissible and is driving the outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Thus, timely and comprehensive knowledge is proving to be essential in identifying and mounting effective responses to the mpox outbreak. A new initiative, soon to be launched by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is set to enhance the management of knowledge on health issues and emerging diseases like mpox. This marks a significant step in transforming the continent's public health landscape. The knowledge management initiative will ensure that health knowledge is readily available, accessible, and translated into policies and practices to prevent and control diseases and strengthen the health system in Africa. Dr Nebiyu Dereje, Head of Division, Knowledge Management, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHIA), emphasised that the knowledge management system is critical to facilitating health knowledge generation and exchange among AU Member States, ensuring continental health security. He further highlighted that the knowledge management system will facilitate pandemic preparedness and response efforts among Member States. 'Knowledge generated from an outbreak response in a country will critically support the preparedness and response efforts for a similar outbreak in other countries,' said Dr Nebiyu. The much-anticipated Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal has been designed as a dynamic and collaborative platform. It will serve as a central hub for health data, knowledge, research, and policy insights. This will enable Africa CDC, its five Regional Coordinating Centres (RCCs), and African Union (AU) Member States to generate and access knowledge, and to transform resources into policy and public health action. The portal is a flagship component of Africa CDC's broader knowledge management initiative. It aims to close Africa's persistent gap in global knowledge production and usage, currently described as suboptimal, through innovative and scalable solutions. 'This portal is not just a knowledge repository site. It's a smart system built to catalyse evidence-based decision-making, empower national health systems, and boost regional knowledge exchange and cooperation,' said Dr Mosoka Papa Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC. The knowledge management hub will facilitate the availability of key public health resources, such as data, information, documents, and knowledge relevant to the needs of Member States. It will serve as a one-stop shop through a collaborative approach. The portal incorporates cutting-edge features, including AI-powered systems that enable multilingual translation, intelligent search tools, an interactive chatbot, and real-time document comparison. These are all designed to make public health information easier to find, understand, and act upon. Users, from national policymakers to frontline health workers, will benefit from personalised content recommendations and a mobile-friendly interface that brings knowledge to their fingertips. The portal is set to be established at three levels: continental, regional, and Member State levels. It will be hosted by Africa CDC and will enable knowledge exchange at the continental level across all 55 Member States and other relevant stakeholders. A regional knowledge management portal will be hosted by each RCC. A series of Member State knowledge management portals will be hosted by individual AU Member States. However, the system will be structured to integrate with existing national health information systems, allowing countries to either host their own portals or link directly with the continental platform. Built with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, the portal reflects Africa CDC's vision of pivoting its RCCs towards an 'Africa CDC without walls'. This refers to a continent-wide network where knowledge flows freely across borders. Pilot implementation is already underway in some Member States. These pilots showcase how countries can customise the platform to meet local needs while contributing to continental knowledge sharing. Africa CDC will also support Member States in training dedicated knowledge managers, establishing national knowledge management teams, and building governance frameworks that ensure sustainability. What truly sets the portal apart is its commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. Through innovations such as weekly Knowledge Hours, Knowledge Cafés, and curated Communities of Practice, Africa CDC aims to foster real-time exchange among public health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. 'The knowledge exists. The challenge has always been access, translation, and application,' said Dr Mosoka. 'With this endeavour, we are bridging that gap.' With Africa being the continent most affected by disease outbreaks and increasing demands on its health system, the knowledge management portal provides a timely and strategic response. It is grounded in digital transformation, local ownership, and collaboration. The portal will play a crucial role in supporting AU Member States as they strengthen health systems, respond to emergencies, and align with Africa CDC's New Public Health Order. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Malaria Surge in Southern Africa
Malaria is on the rise in southern Africa, with several countries – including Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia and Zimbabwe – reporting new outbreaks, underscoring the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease in Africa. Data from the Surveillance and Disease Intelligence Division of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reveals a dramatic spike in Zimbabwe, where suspected cases have increased in 2025. As of epidemiological week 23, of 2025, Zimbabwe has reported 111,998 cases and 310 deaths (case fatality rate [CFR]: 0.27%) as compared to 29,031 cases with 49 deaths (CFR: 0.17%) in the same period in 2024. 'This surge is no coincidence,' says Dr Memory Mapfumo, an epidemiologist at the Africa CDC. 'Prolonged rains have fuelled mosquito breeding, while activities like gold panning, fishing and artisanal mining are exposing more individuals to risk, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.' A contributing factor is the interconnectedness of the countries, which drives transmission. Across Zimbabwe, 115 out of 1,705 health facilities have been affected, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease on healthcare infrastructure. Since the start of 2025, Mashonaland Central Province has accounted for 32% of all malaria cases, while Manicaland reported 25% of the malaria-related deaths. The situation is worsened by the low use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), leaving communities exposed and placing further strain on already stretched health systems. This reflects a broader challenge across southern Africa, where shifting climate patterns and expanding high-risk livelihoods are driving a growing malaria threat, necessitating quicker, more targeted and sustained responses. However, malaria is endemic across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in regions with high temperatures and rainfall, which create ideal breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, the vector that transmits the malaria parasite. The central part of the continent – both north and south of the equator – experiences the highest malaria incidence. Other factors include the tropical climate, as well as displacement and limited access to preventive measures. Southern Africa, although comparatively less affected, remains vulnerable to the disease due to climatic conditions that favour mosquito breeding, cross-border population movements and localised outbreaks in high-risk areas. The region's malaria burden fluctuates with rainfall patterns, human activities such as mining and agriculture, and gaps in healthcare access, making sustained intervention crucial for reducing transmission. 'As climate change accelerates, we are witnessing shifts in temperature and rainfall that are expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, introducing vectors into previously unaffected regions,' said Dr Merawi Aragaw, head of Africa CDC's Surveillance and Disease Intelligence. He emphasised that this is not only a regional issue but a global challenge that calls for coordinated international efforts. 'Sustained vector control measures – including environmental management, strengthening surveillance, drug and diagnostic resistance monitoring, and fostering cross-border collaboration – will be critical in mitigating the growing threat of vector-borne diseases, especially malaria,' said Dr Merawi. The regional surge underscores a broader global trend, with malaria cases worldwide climbing to 263 million in 2023, up from 252 million the previous year, and Africa accounting for 95% of all malaria-related deaths. Despite these alarming figures, there have been significant successes: Cabo Verde was certified malaria-free in 2023, and Egypt is poised to achieve the same in 2024. Yet for many countries in southern Africa, the road to elimination remains steep, with outbreaks threatening to reverse years of progress. Take Botswana, which since epidemiological weeks 1–23 of 2025 has recorded 2,223 cases and 11 deaths, compared to 218 cases and no deaths in the same period in 2024. Okavango has been hit hardest, accounting for 69% of the cases. Since the outbreak began in November 2024, a total of 2,344 cases have been reported, with sporadic outbreaks appearing in non-endemic districts. Flooding caused by heavy rains has contributed significantly to the outbreak by creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. Furthermore, many local residents remain unaware of the risks, contributing to delayed responses when symptoms first appear. To counter this, Botswana's Ministry of Health has intensified case management and surveillance, launched community engagement campaigns, and distributed ITNs. However, efforts have been hindered by inadequate funding and community resistance to the interventions. Although the Kingdom of eSwatini is in the malaria elimination phase, eSwatini, too, is grappling with an upsurge in malaria cases. The Ministry of Health recently issued a press notice to draw attention to the issue. From July 2024 to March 2025, the kingdom has recorded 187 malaria cases. Children under 15 years account for 15% of the reported cases, which has led to increased school absenteeism. Twenty per cent of cases have been among farmers, especially those involved in illegal farming activities in the mountains. These farmers often work at night, guarding their crops without any protective measures, leaving them exposed to mosquito bites. The majority of cases are concentrated in the Hhohho and Lubombo regions, prompting the Ministry of Health to increase its response efforts, including indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the distribution of ITNs. Despite these interventions, eSwatini's malaria elimination programme faces significant hurdles. There are challenges in achieving complete coverage of IRS and ITN distribution, and many individuals still fail to adopt protective behaviours. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to eliminating malaria and addressing the underlying causes, such as illegal farming and inadequate community awareness. Namibia is another country witnessing a significant rise in malaria cases, with over 89,959 cases and 146 deaths reported since November 2024 from 37 of 121 districts. Of these cases, 18% (15,954 cases) are imported from neighbouring countries experiencing malaria outbreaks, and 82% are local. The hardest-hit districts in Namibia include Katima Mulilo, Nkurenkuru, Andara, Outapi and Rundu. Malaria continues to have a severe impact on children above five years and pregnant women, who represent 11% and 3% of the reported cases, respectively. Most cases reported were among males (58%). Of major significance is the interconnectedness of southern Africa, which complicates malaria control efforts, especially in border regions. In Botswana, districts bordering Namibia and Zimbabwe are particularly vulnerable to cross-border transmission, with malaria spreading easily between neighbouring countries with ongoing outbreaks. This highlights the importance of regional cooperation and cross-border surveillance in combating the disease. Efforts to enhance case management, improve surveillance and increase the use of ITNs are critical in curbing transmission in these high-risk areas. According to Africa CDC, the increase in malaria cases in the region highlights the pressing need for continued vigilance and investment in malaria control. Governments need to enhance their efforts to improve the use of ITNs, strengthen community engagement, and address the environmental and social factors driving the outbreaks, such as illegal farming and exposure to mosquito breeding grounds. Equally important is the need for a concerted effort to address delays in reporting, ensuring the timely and accurate collection of data to inform public health interventions. Yet, while the fight against malaria remains an uphill battle, the successes in Cabo Verde and Egypt offer hope that with the right strategies, the elimination of malaria in southern Africa is possible. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
