The Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr. Jean Kaseya has announced the deployment of 80 epidemiologists and 2,400 community health workers (CHWs) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Uganda.
This initiative, part of Africa CDC’s strategic priorities for the next three months, aims to address ongoing public health emergencies and strengthen the continent’s response to emerging health threats.
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, outlined the organization’s strategy during a press briefing on January 16, 2025.
The deployment is designed to intensify response efforts in disease hotspots through integrated approaches, focusing on active case searches, contact monitoring, infection prevention and control (IPC), and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE).
Comprehensive Case Management and Laboratory Support
Beyond immediate response measures, Africa CDC is prioritizing integrated case management for diseases such as mpox and measles. This involves medical, nutritional, and psychosocial care for affected individuals and their families.
To enhance the continent’s diagnostic capabilities, the organization is decentralizing testing and strengthening laboratory infrastructure, which will improve the speed and accuracy of disease detection and response.
Leveraging AI and Engaging Youth to Fight Misinformation
A critical component of Africa CDC’s strategy is addressing the challenge of misinformation, which has become a significant obstacle during health emergencies.
The organization plans to empower youth by deploying artificial intelligence-based strategies and tailored applications to counter misinformation and promote responsible health behaviors. This approach aims to foster a culture of resilience and proactive health awareness across communities.
Accelerating Vaccination Campaigns
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of Africa CDC’s public health strategy. The organization is committed to accelerating immunization efforts, particularly among children under 18 years old, to combat vaccine-preventable diseases and reduce mortality rates in vulnerable populations.
Public Health Events in 2024
The deployment and other measures come in response to an alarming rise in public health events on the continent.
In 2024, Africa CDC monitored 213 public health events, a significant increase from the 166 events reported in 2023. Among these, mpox emerged as a major health threat, with over 77,888 cases and 1,321 deaths reported across 21 African Union member states.
The Central Africa region was the most affected, accounting for 85% of confirmed cases and 99.2% of reported deaths. Mpox cases surged by more than ninefold in 2024 compared to 2023, highlighting the urgent need for intensified response efforts.
Notably, Sierra Leone reported its first mpox outbreak on January 10, 2025, with two confirmed cases and 25 contacts under monitoring.
Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania
Africa CDC is also closely monitoring a suspected Marburg virus disease outbreak in Tanzania. The outbreak was first reported on December 16, 2024, in the Biharamulo and Muleba districts of the Kagera region.
The suspected index case was a 27-year-old pregnant woman who developed severe symptoms, including bleeding from body orifices, and died the same day.
As of January 15, 2025, nine cases and eight deaths have been reported. Samples were collected from five cases, but no laboratory confirmation of Marburg virus has been made.
Approximately 300 contacts, including 56 health workers, are under surveillance. The Tanzanian government has stated that no confirmed cases of Marburg virus have been detected to date.
Mpox Progression and Global Impact
Mpox remains a significant concern across the continent. Between January 2024 and January 2025, over 77,888 cases were reported, with 16,767 confirmed and 1,321 deaths. The Central Africa region experienced the highest burden, with 66,386 cases and 1,310 deaths.
In a concerning development, Chinese health authorities announced a Clade Ib outbreak linked to a case with travel history to Africa, further highlighting the global dimension of mpox. Africa CDC continues to monitor these developments while coordinating response efforts across the continent.
