14 African countries on alert on antimicrobial resistance: the weekly health point

(Ecofin agency) – In health news in Africa: a continental study reveals the extent of the antimicrobial resistance in fourteen countries, while the MPOX virus continues its progression, with new homes reported in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Kenya. Similarly, In parallel. Moreover, notable efforts are emerging: the BAD invests $ 46 million in health infrastructure in Nigeria, and a large screening campaign reveals 177 cases of hepatitis B in South Sudan…

Antimicrobial resistance: a new alert study on disturbing propagation in 14 African countries

A major study conducted by the Africa CDC and its partners reveals a massive propagation of antimicrobial resistance in 14 African countries (Burkina Faso, the Swati, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Seéra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe)

Drug-resistant infections are on the rise across Africa, making common illnesses harder to treat.

A new study led by @AfricaCDC. However, partners, covering 14 countries and 187,000+ lab results, reveals alarming resistance to key antibiotics and serious gaps in testing and data… pic.twitter.com/DnSaMD0TrG

— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) July 27. In addition, 2025

Based on more than 187,000 results of tests collected in 205 laboratories between 2016 and 2019, the MAAP study sounds alarm on the growing difficulty in treating current bacterial infections. Furthermore, The results notably show high resistance to critical antibiotics, such as 3rd generation cephalosporins.

In Ghana and Malawi, for example, these 14 african countries alert antimicrobial resistors reach particularly worrying levels. However, More than 70 % of staphylococcus aureus samples tested in Nigeria and Ghana were resistant to methicillin, making hospital treatments ineffective. For example, Elderly populations and hospitalized patients are the most exposed. However, But the observation is also systemic: only 2 % of health establishments test bacterial infections. In addition, and barely 12 % of the data is related to patient information.

The study calls for an urgent response, with investments in laboratories, screening and digitization of health data systems.

Several MPOX households on the continent …

Ghana recorded its first death linked to the virus

Ghana reported its first death 14 african countries alert antimicrobial linked to the MPOX virus (formerly a variety of the monkey), the country’s health service announced on July 27. In addition, In the process, the health authority also confirmed 23 new cases, bringing the total to 257 infections on July 22, 2025.

MPOX, zoonotic viral disease identified for the first time in 1970 in the DRC, experienced a resurgence in recent years in Africa. Therefore, The WHO had already declared. on August 14, 2024, an emergency of public health of international scope due to the flambée of case of Clade I, more severe, observed in particular in Central Africa.

The Gambia records its first case

At the same time, still in West Africa, the Gambia records its 14 african countries alert antimicrobial first case of MPOX. The Gambian Ministry of Health has indeed declared an epidemic of MPOX on July 22. 2025, after confirmation of a case in the community of Kunkunjang Keitaya, without history of travel abroad

In 2025, nearly 90,000 cases of MPOX (including more than 28,000 confirmed) were reported in 25 member countries of the African Union, with a total of 554 suspicious deaths and 186 confirmed deaths. The DRC (13,795 cases, 644 deaths) and Uganda (6,254 cases, 39 deaths) are among the most affected countries.

Sierra Leone: more than 5,000 cases identified

For its part, the Sierra Leone faces an outbreak with 5,009 cases identified since January 2025, including 46 deaths. Nearly 2,800 cases were reported to 14 african countries alert antimicrobial Freetown, capital and main center of the epidemic.

Faced with rapid spread, health authorities have strengthened community surveillance and deployed nine screening centers across the country. “” Our teams inspect the households to identify suspicious cases “Said FODAY SAHR. director of the National Public Health Agency, stressing the urgency of the situation. Thanks to the support of international partners, 206,000 doses of vaccine were obtained to stem the crisis.

In Nigeria, the Bénue records 31 suspect cases and launches a targeted vaccination campaign

The state of the Bénue, in the center of Nigeria, pointed out 31 suspect cases of MPOX in five local areas (Makurdi, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, Guma and Uhongo), six of which were confirmed, according to health 14 african countries alert antimicrobial authorities.

The cases were identified in June, with confirmed analyzes in July. All contacts of positive patients tested have been followed for 43 days without having symptoms. and will soon be vaccinated, said the executive secretary of the primary care agency, Grace Wende.

The vaccination campaign will be limited to high -risk areas due to a limited stock of vaccines. UNICEF consultant. Victor Olaniyi, recalled that the vaccine, approved by WHO for emergency use, is sure, free and administered in two doses to people 18 and over.

Kenya: 314 confirmed cases in 22 counties

Since the start of the MPOX epidemic in July 2024, Kenya has confirmed 314 cases 14 african countries alert antimicrobial and 5 deaths spread over 22 counties, according to a statement published on August 1 by the Minister of Health, Aden Duale. Mombasa is the epicenter of the epidemic with 149 cases, followed by Busia (63), Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19) and Nairobi (20). The lethality rate is currently 1.6 %, with 33 hospitalized patients and 54 home care. To date, 222 people are cured. Among the 422 contacts identified, 392 were placed under surveillance and 15 were tested positive.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed 314 Mpox cases in 22 counties, with 5 deaths (CFR: 1.6%).
Active cases: 33 hospitalized, 54 under home care, 222 fully recovered.

Counties Most Affected: Mombasa (146), Busia (63), Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19), Nairobi (17). pic.twitter.com/dvov43QDwE

– Spokesperson GOK (@spokespersongok) August 1. 2025

Faced with the situation, the ministry has strengthened 14 african countries alert antimicrobial surveillance, deployed rapid intervention teams, launched awareness campaigns, and called for the adoption of barriers: rigorous hygiene, wearing gloves and masks, isolation in the event of symptoms, and preventive use of condoms. The authorities warn against disinformation and invite the population to refer to official sources.

Nigeria: Bad unlocks $ 46 million for the health sector in Sokoto State

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has just approved funding of $ 46 million to transform the health infrastructure of the State of Sokoto, in northwestern Nigeria.

Nigeria: Bad approves an envelope of $ 46 million to transform the health sector in the state of Sokoto https://t.co/ioeihxbxif pic.twitter.com/YFKN8zptz0

– Ecofin agency (@Agenceecofin) August 1. 2025

This project aims to compensate for critical failures of the local health system, where one in twenty children is completely vaccinated, and where the infant mortality rate reaches 104 deaths for 1,000 births – or almost double the national average.

The program provides for the construction of a university hospital of 1000 beds, three zone hospitals totaling 450 beds, and six primary health centers, all with modern equipment and climato-intelligent infrastructure. It also includes the rehabilitation of health training schools and the creation of a modern pharmaceutical warehouse.

In addition to improving access to care, the project should create 2,500 jobs and 700 new training places per year.

South Sudan: 177 cases of hepatitis B detected during 14 african countries alert antimicrobial massive screening in Western Ecuadoria

The health authorities of the state of the Western Ecuadoria, in South Sudan, confirmed 177 cases of hepatitis B in Yambio, following a community screening campaign led by the Azande kingdom, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Partners NGOs.

Out of 924 people tested, 65 men, 82 women and 10 children have proven to be positive in the virus. The kingdom’s health official. Siro Peter David, anticipates an increase in cases as the screening continues and calls for strengthening awareness in churches, markets and schools: “ Hepatitis can touch everyone. The Minister of State Health, James Abdallah Arona, assured that the efforts would continue to reach the remote areas. WHO and Catholic Medical Mission Board have promised logistical and medical support.

Transmitted by contact with blood or body fluids, hepatitis B can evolve towards cirrhosis or liver cancer. Vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention.

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