(Agence Ecofin) – Among other things this week: the Africa CDC is launching an ambitious strategic plan to fight tropical diseases; Togo introduces preventive treatment against malaria for infants; and Rwanda is praised for its good management of the Marburg epidemic. At the same time, Morocco inaugurates the African Academy of Health Sciences in Dakhla…
An ambitious continental plan to fight tropical diseases
African Union countries are going on the offensive against tropical and infectious diseases. During a high-level workshop organized from November 27 to 29 by the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the 55 member countries validated an ambitious roadmap for a new strategic plan covering the period 2024 -2027.
This plan aims to integrate the prevention and control of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) into national health systems. “We must step up our efforts to change the situation and find lasting solutions“, said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC, opening the workshop.
Validated priorities include strengthening partnerships, increased multi-sector collaboration and rigorous monitoring of progress. This project is part of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the New Public Health Order of the Africa CDC, which advocates the health autonomy of the continent. This plan has the support of leaders such as Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), William Ruto (Kenya), Bola Tinubu (Nigeria) and Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia).
To date, the African continent still bears 94% of global malaria cases and 40% of the global NTD burden, despite notable progress. The main obstacles remain underfunding, fragile health systems and limited access to treatments.
Fight against mpox: a unified protocol to strengthen surveillance in Africa
The Africa CDC also introduced this week a unified surveillance protocol to counter the resurgence of mpox, which remains on the rise on the continent. Since 2022, more than 20 African countries, including Burundi and Rwanda, have reported outbreaks, revealing flaws in surveillance systems.
The protocol, based on standardized case definitions, combines genomic sequencing technologies and advanced diagnostic tools to identify emerging viral strains. Member countries must now share data in real time, facilitating a rapid and coordinated response.
This includes strengthening the capacity of African states to manage current and future epidemics.
Measles in Senegal: more than 400 cases recorded in 2024
Senegal has recorded more than 400 confirmed cases of measles in 33 health districts this year, representing 41% of the country’s areas, according to Dr. Abdoulaye Mangane of the Prevention Directorate.
Faced with these figures, a national vaccination campaign is targeting more than 7.3 million children with 8 million doses available. In the process, the authorities are calling for increased awareness to counter reluctance and rumors. The goal is to strengthen community support to eradicate the disease.
Rwanda praised for its exemplary management of the Marburg epidemic
Rwanda was highly congratulated by the Africa CDC for its success in containing the Marburg outbreak, which was declared closed a few weeks ago. This effective management led the United States to lift its Level 3 health advisory, initially issued in October. Rwanda, with the support of the Pan-African health agency, has deployed rigorous measures: decentralization of laboratories, community engagement and strengthening of response capacities. In less than two months, the epidemic was contained, without regional spread.
Morocco: launch of the African Academy of Health Sciences
The African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS), a flagship project of the Mohammed VI Foundation, was inaugurated this week in Dakhla (Morocco), to strengthen cooperation and innovation in health on the continent.
Designed to accommodate 3,000 students on a 47-hectare campus, the AAHS aims to become a center of excellence for research and training. It will integrate modern technologies, develop health Big Data and set up an African health observatory. “This academy aims to bring together experts and institutions to address African health challenges.“, indicated Professor Youns Bjijou, deputy director of the Foundation.
A new initiative to combat mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
The World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa this week launched a Regional Validation Committee to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. This committee, bringing together experts from various African countries, will be responsible for assessing national progress and validating reports of compliance with elimination targets. While there has been progress in recent years, particularly in East and Southern Africa, where 90% of pregnant women receive antiretroviral treatment, challenges persist in West and Central Africa, which remains lagging behind. .
The committee, guided by the WHO Triple Elimination Framework, aims to strengthen health systems and accelerate progress through a graduated certification system (bronze, silver, gold).
Togo: preventive treatment against malaria for infants
On November 28, 2024, Togo launched a new program to fight malaria, by introducing preventive treatment for infants in its Expanded Vaccination Program (EPI). From now on, children under two years old will receive four doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine at the ages of 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 9 months and 15 months. Each dose will provide 35 days of protection against severe forms of malaria. Supported by the Global Fund, this initiative aims to strengthen the health of vulnerable children, all year round.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Read also:
Guinea, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Africa fights against mpox : the weekly health update
14 African countries will support WHO Africa; the fight continues against mpox: the weekly health update
