2025 has been a rollercoaster for Africa’s health sector: triumphs in disease elimination are dancing alongside some of the worst outbreaks in decades 😷.
"For children and vulnerable communities, 2025 has been a complex landscape marked by the recurrence of public health emergencies," says Dr Edna Moturi, UNICEF Regional Health Emergency Specialist for Eastern and Southern Africa. "We have seen outbreaks of cholera, mpox, viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Marburg, and also Ebola."
Alongside these threats, routine immunization programs have stagnated, fueling a surge in polio and measles cases across the continent.
Cholera Crisis: Worst in 25 Years
By November 2025, Africa had recorded around 300,000 confirmed and suspected cholera cases and more than 7,000 deaths—a 30% jump from last year. This severe diarrheal disease strikes hardest where safe water and sanitation are lacking.
Countries hit hardest include Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Nigeria.
United for a Continent-wide Response
In August, Africa CDC and the World Health Organization rolled out the Continental Cholera Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa 1.0. African heads of state pledged to control and eliminate cholera outbreaks by 2030—a major step toward healthier futures.
Despite the challenges, there are bright spots: successful campaigns and collaborative efforts have driven elimination milestones for several diseases 💪.
As 2025 draws to a close, Africa stands at a crossroads. The path forward depends on renewed vaccination drives, strengthened health systems, and continent-wide collaboration. The fight continues—because every life saved counts. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
