Africa’s Health Crisis: A Looming Global Threat
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31 January 2025 – Africa is grappling with an unprecedented convergence of crises that threaten to unravel decades of progress in health security. The number of health emergencies on the continent surged from 153 outbreaks in 2022-2023 to 242 in 2024, considerably raising the risk of another pandemic emerging from Africa. Compounding this challenge, a shifting global landscape has seen wealthy nations reduce development assistance to prioritize domestic needs, including a 90-day pause in U.S. foreign aid.
the repercussions are dire. According to the Africa CDC, without urgent intervention, financial constraints could reverse health gains, pushing morbidity and mortality rates back to early 2000s levels. An estimated 2 to 4 million additional deaths per year from preventable and treatable diseases could occur. This human toll translates into massive economic losses, costing Africa billions annually and pushing an estimated 39 million more people into poverty. This is not just an African crisis—it is a global crisis in the making.
Goma: The Epicenter of a Public Health Emergency
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Nowhere is this crisis more evident than in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A city of three million, including one million displaced individuals, Goma has one of the highest population densities in the world—39,620 people per square kilometer. The city lacks adequate health infrastructure and basic services like water, sanitation, and hygiene. These extreme conditions, combined with insecurity and mass displacement, have fueled the mutation of the Mpox virus, generating the deadly Clade 1b variant in 2023.
This strain has already killed thousands of children and young people and is highly sexually transmissible. Goma became the epicenter, spreading Mpox across 21 African countries, including SADC and EAC states. The same conditions have also fueled widespread Measles and Cholera outbreaks, claiming thousands of lives.
A Call for Peace and Action
The Africa CDC has worked tirelessly to secure Mpox vaccines and essential health commodities for Goma and eastern DRC.However, without peace and security, these supplies cannot reach the children and mothers who need them most.
“I am ready to fly there myself to ensure these life-saving interventions are delivered—but we need safe access,” saeid H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. “To my fellow African leaders: End this needless war. If you fail to act,it will not be bullets that kill us—it will be major outbreaks and pandemics emerging from this region,sparing no one while devastating economies and businesses. Our collective survival depends on urgent and decisive action. Let us end this war. Let us choose peace. Let us choose life.”
Key Statistics: Africa’s Health Crisis
| Metric | 2022-2023 | 2024 |
|——————————–|—————|—————-|
| Health Emergencies | 153 | 242 |
| Estimated Additional Deaths | N/A | 2-4 million/year |
| Economic Losses | N/A | Billions annually |
| People Pushed into Poverty | N/A | 39 million |
The Path Forward
The escalating health and security crises in Africa demand immediate global attention. The Africa CDC continues to advocate for peace and increased international support to prevent further loss of life and economic devastation. As Dr. Kaseya emphasized, the choice is clear: peace and life or continued conflict and catastrophe.
For more data on the Africa CDC’s efforts, visit their official website and connect with them on LinkedIn, Twitter,Facebook,and YouTube.
Media Contact: Margaret Edwin, Director of Dialog and Public information, Africa CDC, [email protected].
Africa’s Health Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. Amina Okoye on Peace,Security,and Global Solidarity
Addis Ababa,Ethiopia,31 january 2025 – Africa is facing a critical health crisis that threatens to undo decades of progress in public health. With a surge in health emergencies, reduced international aid, and the emergence of deadly disease variants, the continent is at a crossroads. To understand the gravity of the situation and explore potential solutions, we sat down with Dr. Amina Okoye, a leading expert in global health and security, to discuss the challenges and the path forward.
The Escalating Health Emergencies in Africa
Editor: Dr. Okoye, the number of health emergencies in Africa has risen dramatically. What are the key factors driving this surge?
Dr. Okoye: The increase in health emergencies can be attributed to several interconnected factors. First, there’s the impact of climate change, which has led to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and other environmental disruptions. These conditions create fertile ground for disease outbreaks. Second, conflicts and mass displacements in regions like eastern DRC have weakened healthcare systems and left millions vulnerable. the reduction in international advancement assistance has left many African countries without the resources needed to respond effectively to these crises.
Goma: A Microcosm of the Crisis
editor: Goma, in eastern DRC, seems to be at the epicenter of this crisis. Could you elaborate on why this city is particularly vulnerable?
Dr. Okoye: Goma is a stark example of how multiple challenges converge to create a public health disaster. The city has an extremely high population density, with millions living in cramped and unsanitary conditions. The lack of basic services like clean water and proper sanitation exacerbates the spread of diseases like cholera and measles. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the region has displaced over a million people, further straining the already fragile healthcare infrastructure. This combination of factors has allowed new and deadly disease variants, such as the Mpox Clade 1b, to emerge and spread rapidly.
The Economic and Human Toll
Editor: The article mentions that this crisis could push millions into poverty and cost billions in economic losses. Can you explain this connection?
Dr. Okoye: Absolutely. Health crises have a direct impact on economic stability. When disease outbreaks occur, healthcare costs skyrocket, productivity declines, and critical sectors like agriculture and tourism suffer. For example, the spread of Mpox and other diseases in Goma has not only claimed thousands of lives but also disrupted trade and local economies. The economic losses are compounded by the fact that many African countries are already grappling with high levels of debt and limited resources. Without immediate intervention, we could see millions more pushed into poverty, reversing years of economic progress.
The Call for Peace and International Support
Editor: Dr.Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC has emphasized the need for peace and increased international support. Why are these elements so crucial?
Dr. Okoye: Peace is foundational to any effective public health response. In conflict zones, healthcare workers often cannot reach those in need, and essential supplies are frequently looted or destroyed. Without peace, even the most well-intentioned efforts will fall short. On the other hand, international support is critical because many African countries simply do not have the resources to tackle these challenges alone. Increased funding, technical assistance, and vaccine donations are desperately needed to prevent further loss of life and economic devastation.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Urgent Action
Editor: what steps do you believe are necessary to address this crisis effectively?
Dr. Okoye: First and foremost, we need a coordinated global response. This includes not only financial support but also the sharing of knowledge and resources. African leaders must prioritize peace and stability, as these are essential for any long-term health strategy. Additionally, we must invest in strengthening healthcare systems across the continent, from improving infrastructure to training more healthcare workers. we need to address the root causes of these crises, such as climate change and inequality, to prevent future outbreaks.
conclusion
The health crisis in Africa is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our world. without urgent and coordinated action, the consequences will be felt far beyond the continent’s borders. As Dr. Okoye has highlighted, peace, international solidarity, and a focus on long-term solutions are essential to navigating this crisis. The choice is clear: we must act now to prevent further loss of life and economic devastation.