(Ecofin Agency) – This week in African health news: in Nigeria, the authorities are strengthening border surveillance in the face of a new respiratory virus coming from China. In Guinea, the diphtheria epidemic persists. Cyclone Chido affects 160,000 people in Mozambique and Malawi. Cameroon celebrates the admission of Professor Eugène Sobngwi to the French National Academy of Medicine. Meanwhile, epidemics of malaria and diarrhea are raging in South Sudan, while a suspicion of African swine fever is worrying in Uganda. Finally, Namibia is fighting an outbreak of malaria, and a meningitis epidemic kills five people in the DRC…
Nigeria strengthens surveillance against new respiratory virus from China
Several African countries are taking action in the face of the new respiratory virus reported in China late last year. This is particularly the case in Nigeria, where the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced reinforced measures to monitor passengers arriving from China, following an upsurge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the Asian country. .
Since December 2024, China has reported a notable increase in HMPV infections, causing hospital congestion and the adoption of preventative measures such as mask wearing and disinfection of public places. In response, Nigeria is planning targeted quarantines and enhanced screening at points of entry to prevent possible spread. “ Surveillance is essential to quickly identify cases and prevent outbreaks said Dr Oladipo Kolawole, infectious diseases specialist at NCDC.
Although HMPV usually causes mild symptoms, it can cause serious complications in children and immunocompromised people. This mobilization comes five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, which left its mark on health systems and highlighted the importance of resilient health systems, on a national scale, to deal with global health crises.
DRC: an outbreak of meningitis kills 5 in the province of Tshopo
An epidemic of meningitis has been reported in the Banalia health zone, Tshopo province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Bolembe Djodjo, area supervisor, five deaths were recorded among seven cases recorded at the Mangi health center.
Health officials deplore that some patients do not seek medical care. Samples were sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) for analysis. “We dropped off medicines and collected samples available at the health center. We analyzed these samples this morning before sending them to [l’INRB] to Kinshasa, via Kisangani. There are indeed cases of deaths reported.”, according to Bolembe Djodjo, supervisor in the health zone, quoted by Outbreak News Today. The population is invited to quickly report symptoms to limit human losses.
Cameroonian Professor Eugène Sobngwi admitted to the French National Academy of Medicine
Professor Eugène Sobngwi, endocrinologist and researcher of Cameroonian origin, has just been admitted to the French National Academy of Medicine. The co-optation ceremony took place on Tuesday January 7, 2025 at the Paris headquarters of the academy.
Trained at the University Center for Health Sciences (CUSS) in Yaoundé, this doctor is the author of 280 scientific publications and mentor of more than 130 theses. He is particularly praised for his work on diabetes, including a protocol that enabled 15% of African patients to stop their insulin treatment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he successfully led the team that treated the first two cases in Cameroon.
Professor Sobngwi, who thus becomes the first Cameroonian admitted to this academy, is currently director of healthcare organization at the Ministry of Health of Cameroon.
Guinea: diphtheria persists, thousands of cases recorded
Since mid-2023, Guinea has been facing a diphtheria epidemic which has affected 6,711 people and caused 207 deaths, a case fatality rate of 3%. The most impacted regions include Conakry, Kankan and N’Zérékoré, with the Siguiri health district particularly affected.
By the end of 2024, children aged 6 to 10 years accounted for 23% of cases, and the majority of patients were unvaccinated. Health efforts, such as catch-up vaccination campaigns and treatments with diphtheria antitoxin, are underway, but the epidemic remains active with 18 new suspected cases reported in December 2024.
In collaboration with its partners, the government is intensifying contact tracing actions, prevention measures in hospitals and targeted vaccinations to contain this health crisis.
Cyclone Chido: an alarming report for Mozambique and Malawi
Cyclone Chido, which hit southern Africa in mid-December 2024, caused devastation in Mozambique and Malawi, affecting more than 160,000 people.
In Mozambique, Cabo Delgado was particularly hard hit, with severe flooding causing 35 injuries and destroying 5,800 homes and 41 classrooms. In Malawi, 8,100 people were affected and three deaths reported, mainly in Machinga, Phalombe and Blantyre Rural districts. Vital infrastructure, such as schools and health centers, suffered major damage.
Faced with this crisis, immediate responses, such as the distribution of food, the establishment of evacuation centers and the repair of water and sanitation infrastructure, have been deployed. According to the WHO, long-term investments are needed to strengthen climate resilience.
South Sudan: cases of malaria and acute diarrhea
In South Sudan, an epidemic of severe malaria and acute watery diarrhea is hitting the community of Hiyalla, in Torit County (Eastern Equatoria). Since January 1, 2025, these pathologies have caused the death of one child and the hospitalization of several others. The situation is aggravated by the lack of medicines at the Hiyalla primary health center, making it difficult to treat critical cases. According to local authorities, children under three years old are most affected. Although tests have ruled out a cholera outbreak, strict hygiene measures and an urgent medical response are needed.
Uganda: an outbreak of African swine fever suspected
In Uganda, veterinary authorities in Sheema district (southwest) suspect an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) after the death of more than 30 pigs in several villages. Dr Joseph Amanya, district veterinarian, announced strict measures: ban on transport of pigs, suspension of pork sales and collection of samples for laboratory analysis. This highly contagious viral disease, fatal for pigs, remains without vaccine or curative treatment.
Namibia: Malaria outbreak affects six regions
Also in southern Africa, Namibia’s Ministry of Health reported a malaria outbreak affecting six regions and 16 health districts since November 4, 2024. As of December 15, 2024, 2,210 cases and nine deaths have been recorded, with 265 hospital admissions. The districts of Enhana (30%) and Okongo (15%) concentrate the majority of cases. Authorities call for strengthening prevention and treatment measures, according to Outbreak News Today
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
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