Global Measles Decline, Ethiopia’s Marburg Response, and Africa’s Health Frontlines: This Week’s Report
A stunning 80% decline in global measles cases sounds like a major victory—but here’s the part most people overlook: major gaps in vaccination coverage still leave millions of children vulnerable, especially in Africa. Meanwhile, Ethiopia faces both hope and hazard, rolling out its Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine while battling its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak. Other nations are grappling with their own health urgencies—from Rift Valley fever in Senegal to counterfeit psychologists in Morocco. Let’s break it all down.
Measles: A Global Win, But Not Yet Over
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global measles cases plummeted from 38 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2024, saving an estimated 58 million lives through vaccination campaigns. Deaths also declined sharply, from 780,000 to around 95,000 in the same period. However, WHO cautions that this progress isn’t yet secure.
In 2024, global vaccination coverage reached 84 percent—down slightly from the 86 percent recorded before COVID-19 disrupted immunization networks in 2019. The African region remains far behind at 71 percent coverage. More than half of the world’s 20.6 million unvaccinated children (56 percent) live in Africa, while 19 percent are in the Eastern Mediterranean region. WHO stresses that achieving full measles elimination will demand not just vaccines, but unwavering political will and consistent funding.
Ethiopia: Hepatitis B Birth Dose and Marburg Outbreak
Ethiopia made a major leap in disease prevention on November 25, 2025, launching the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine with the backing of WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. The campaign aims to protect 3.8 million newborns annually and raise national coverage to 80 percent. Administering the shot within 24 hours of birth can dramatically cut lifelong infection risks. Ethiopia, now offering 15 routine vaccines, trained over 100 health workers and scored 97 percent on national readiness assessments.
But the country is also facing a health emergency: its first confirmed Marburg virus outbreak. As of November 27, eleven cases and six deaths had been reported. Five patients remain in care while 349 people are under observation. Isolation centers have been established in Jinka and Hawassa, and public awareness campaigns are underway in collaboration with religious leaders. Since Marburg belongs to the same viral family as Ebola and can kill anywhere between 24 and 88 percent of patients, Ethiopia’s rapid response will be critical.
Senegal: Rift Valley Fever Spreads Across 11 Regions
Senegal’s health authorities report over 500 confirmed Rift Valley fever (RVF) cases since late September, impacting 11 regions. The majority—352 cases—come from Saint-Louis. Though primarily a livestock disease, RVF can jump to humans via infected animal contact. The government has scaled up vector control and surveillance operations, trying to stop the spread before it reaches urban centers. Still, some argue that the agricultural trade system itself might be fueling the epidemic. Should regulations on livestock movement be tightened?
Morocco: Crackdown on Fake Psychologists
An unexpected health hazard is emerging in Morocco—not from disease, but from deception. The National Union of Psychologists has sounded the alarm over unlicensed individuals offering therapy after completing questionable, short-term courses. Some have even converted their offices into makeshift treatment spaces using informal authorizations. With only six public universities offering accredited psychology degrees, the Ministry of Health’s 2030 roadmap promises a new legal framework to regulate the field. Yet professionals are demanding swifter action to revoke current false authorizations. Would you trust mental health advice from someone without credentials?
Madagascar: Digital Tools Target Childhood Anemia
In Madagascar, a new program is taking advantage of digital technology to fight a persistent problem: childhood anemia. Launched across 26 health facilities in the Analamanga region, the project aims to expand nationwide. About 42 percent of Malagasy children aged 6–59 months are anemic, with nearly all cases tied to iron deficiency. The Ministry of Health, infant-nutrition company Bledina, and the Malagasy Society of Pediatrics are collaborating on this push. Non-invasive screening devices and digital reporting tools are helping identify at-risk children faster—potentially saving lives and improving developmental outcomes.
DRC: Measles Surge Amid Conflict
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, measles is resurging in areas already scarred by conflict. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) treated more than 3,000 cases between April and November 2025 in North Kivu’s Masisi and Rutshuru territories. In Katoyi and Kirotshe alone, 1,856 patients were treated in under two months, including 756 with complications. In Binza, 1,195 people received care, 355 in serious condition. Children under five remain the most vulnerable—especially those suffering from malnutrition. Damaged infrastructure, limited vaccine supply, and violence hampering outreach have worsened the situation. MSF plans additional immunization drives at the end of November and early December to slow the outbreak.
DRC: Cholera Wave in Moba District
Moba, a health district in Tanganyika province, is facing its own crisis—an escalating cholera outbreak. More than 640 suspected cases and 20 deaths have been recorded since January, with 94 new cases reported just last week. Communities along Lake Tanganyika remain most exposed, as residents often rely on untreated lake water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Shortages of chlorine and other medical supplies complicate the response. Dr. Barwine Moma, the district’s chief medical officer, warns that infections are spreading to new zones and appeals for urgent resources to contain the disease.
The Bigger Picture
Across the continent, Africa’s health systems are showing both remarkable progress and persistent fragility. Vaccines are saving millions, digital tools are modernizing care, and public awareness is rising—but underfunding, misinformation, and poor regulation still cost lives. The question is no longer whether Africa can overcome these challenges, but whether the global community will commit long-term support to help make it happen.
What do you think—is Africa finally turning the corner in public health, or are we celebrating too early? Drop your thoughts below and join the discussion.
