The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported a sharp increase in high-risk disease outbreaks across the continent, raising concerns about a potentially more challenging year for public health in 2025.

Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Professor Yap Boum II, Deputy Head of the Africa CDC Mpox Response, revealed that by mid-2025, the agency had already recorded 39 high-risk health events more than half of the 72 high-risk outbreaks reported throughout 2024.

Additionally, over 100 moderate-risk outbreaks have been recorded so far this year.

“This trend suggests that Africa is on course to exceed the 219 combined high and moderate-risk outbreaks recorded in 2024,” Boum warned.

Among the ongoing public health threats are cholera, measles, dengue fever, and Mpox, affecting at least 23 countries 18 of which currently have active outbreaks.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular, is battling simultaneous outbreaks of Mpox, cholera, and measles.

Professor Boum stressed the need for African nations to improve resource-sharing and cooperation, noting that available resources are becoming increasingly limited amid multiple concurrent health crises.

In Uganda, while Mpox cases had been declining since late May and the Ebola outbreak was officially declared over, the Ministry of Health reports a worrying resurgence of Mpox.

This week, 233 new cases were confirmed a 66% increase from the 140 cases reported the previous week.

The highest attack rate is currently in Mbarara, with rising cases also noted in Kampala, Masaka, and Wakiso.

Officials are urging heightened vigilance and cross-border collaboration to stem the growing tide of disease outbreaks across the continent.

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