Attachments
This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African Region. This week’s articles cover:
- Mpox in the Republic of Congo
- Mpox in Burundi
- Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar
For each of these events, a brief description is provided, followed by public health measures implemented and an interpretation of the situation.
At the end of the bulletin, a table provides information on all new and ongoing public health events currently being monitored in the region, as well as recent events that have been controlled and closed.
Major Issues
Mpox in the Republic of Congo: The mpox outbreak in the Republic of Congo presents a growing public health concern, with cases reported from urban areas, particularly the capital Brazzaville, along with the first recorded death highlighting concerns about early detection and management of cases. The presence of multiple viral strains, including Clade Ib linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signals concerns about cross-border transmission. Resource constraints continue to challenge response efforts. Immediate action is needed to scale up surveillance, including genomic surveillance, and strengthen targeted interventions to control the outbreak.
Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar: Madagascar continues to grapple with a complex humanitarian crisis driven by climate shocks, food insecurity, and multiple disease outbreaks, posing a significant threat to vulnerable populations. The acute malnutrition crisis, compounded by prolonged drought and cyclone-induced displacement, requires urgent, sustained interventions to prevent worsening health outcomes. Critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure, including health facilities damaged by cyclones, further hinder access to essential services. Additionally, the resurgence of malaria, measles, and plague underscores weaknesses in disease surveillance and immunization coverage. Immediate high-level action is needed to scale up life-saving assistance, strengthen health system resilience, and implement long-term climate adaptation strategies to mitigate recurring crises.