This week, Africa's health outlook is being shaped by increased supply chain risks linked to global tensions, efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and persistent tuberculosis in Southern Africa, as well as progress on MPOX in the DRC, disruptions in cholera aid, advances in precision medicine in Côte d'Ivoire and new organ transplant legislation in Madagascar.
Africa faces an increasing risk of shortages of health products as global supply chains are disrupted, including due to conflict in the Middle East.
The African Union's health agency Africa CDC said the cost of some raw materials, such as polyester, used in mosquito nets, has increased by 40%, while sea freight now costs about $4,000 per container.
“These delays and disruptions could compromise the timely delivery of medicines, vaccines and other essential health products” Director-General Jean Cassia said. He added that Africa's heavy dependence on imports from China and India makes the continent particularly vulnerable.
The agency warned of a potential health crisis if the situation continued.
In response, Africa CDC is promoting a health sovereignty strategy focused on local production, domestic financing, and digital transformation. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo are testing mechanisms to reduce dependence on donors, although results have been limited.
Africa CDC launches continental program on noncommunicable diseases
Amid the rise in non-communicable diseases, Africa CDC has launched the SPARC-NCD program to strengthen surveillance and improve care.
Nearly 2 million premature deaths are recorded each year from hypertension and diabetes, yet only 10% to 20% of patients receive regular follow-up care.
Deployed through national health systems, the program aims to improve data collection, train health workers, and expand community-level care. It is based on HIV programs that have proven effective and cost-effective when integrated with long-term disease management.
Africa CDC aims to move from fragmented systems to a coordinated, patient-centered approach as the burden of heart disease, diabetes and cancer continues to grow on the continent.
Southern Africa: Tuberculosis persists despite progress
Southern Africa remains a major tuberculosis hotspot, with South Africa and Mozambique among the 30 most affected countries globally, according to data shared around World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2026.
In South Africa, despite gradual decline, tuberculosis is expected to cause approximately 54,000 deaths in 2024. HIV co-infection, present in 54% of cases, complicates control efforts.
Mozambique recorded approximately 112,000 infections in 2023, including 17,400 unidentified cases. Drug-resistant strains and health system weaknesses are worsening the situation.
At the same time, community initiatives and digital tools like the OneImpact app are improving access to care and reducing stigma.
Between 2015 and 2023, deaths from tuberculosis across Africa are expected to fall by 42%, reflecting progress that is widely considered inadequate.
DRC: MPox outbreak no longer a national emergency
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has no longer declared its MPOX outbreak a national public health emergency after years of response efforts.
Between early 2024 and early 2026, more than 80,000 samples were analyzed, confirming more than 34,000 cases and more than 2,200 deaths. The outbreak, declared in December 2022, triggered a large-scale national and international response.
Officials said the virus is still spreading but response capacity has improved. Experience from previous crises, particularly Ebola, has strengthened the management of concurrent outbreaks. Surveillance is ongoing to prevent resurgence.
Africa: Cholera aid disrupted due to geopolitical tensions
Geopolitical tensions related to the conflict with Iran are hampering the delivery of cholera aid in Africa. International media report that essential supplies are stranded in Dubai as the rainy season, a high-risk time, approaches.
Air freight costs have increased by 70%, limiting alternative logistics options.
The affected medical kits are used to treat thousands of patients and prevent the spread of the disease through contaminated water.
In 2025, cholera caused more than 600,000 cases and 8,000 deaths in 34 countries. Although cases are expected to decline in 2026, the World Health Organization has warned against complacency.
This situation highlights Africa's dependence on medical imports and its sensitivity to geopolitical shocks.
Côte d'Ivoire: DNA laboratory advances precision medicine
Côte d'Ivoire has opened a public DNA testing laboratory in Grand-Bassam, marking a step forward for precision medicine in West and Central Africa.
Operational from November 2025, the center enables early detection of hereditary diseases and tailored treatment to individual genetic profiles. Results are given within seven to ten days, eliminating dependence on foreign laboratories. The laboratory performs analyzes in areas including cancer, reproductive disorders and pharmacogenetics.
Madagascar: towards a legal framework for organ transplantation
Madagascar is reviewing draft legislation to regulate organ transplantation in response to increasing demand for kidney transplants, in particular.
The text under review at the Ministry of Justice involves health, religious and educational stakeholders. It prioritizes family donation to limit the risk of organ trafficking.
Some procedures, such as corneal transplants, are already being performed but lack a formal legal framework. About 800 patients have undergone such procedures.
The adoption of the law will provide legal protection to health professionals and help structure a sector still in the early stages of development.
I Renaud Dosavi