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(Agence Ecofin) – Health news in Africa this week: in Namibia, a remarkable increase in life expectancy since 2001; In Nigeria there has been a sharp decline in Lassa fever, while in Sudan a cholera epidemic is making the already precarious situation even worse due to the armed conflict. In Zambia we are more likely to face a double epidemic of anthrax and cholera. Finally, the Zika virus continues to rage in Senegal and Mali.
Namibia: Life expectancy has increased by 12 years since 2001
Namibia has recorded significant progress in improving public health over the past 33 years, with a notable increase in population life expectancy of 12 years since 2001. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a press release dated Friday, December 29, 2023 states: In Namibia, southern Africa, average life expectancy increased from 51 years in 2001 to 63 years in 2020.
This success is attributed to the Namibian government’s public health efforts, including significant investments in the fight against the HIV pandemic, which resulted in a dramatic 65% decrease in new infections. HIV-related deaths have also fallen by 74% since 2004, it said. “Namibia is one of the first high-burden countries to engage in epidemic control under the UNAIDS Treatment Cascade 95-95-95. 92% of people with HIV know their status, 99% of those receiving HIV treatment, and 94% of those undergoing HIV treatment with an undetectable viral load” said Dr. Mary Brantuo, the head of the WHO in Namibia.
Since October 2008, Namibia has also maintained its status as a polio-free country, with national immunization rates above global recommended rates, ensuring better child survival.
These public health achievements were highlighted at the 11th Annual United Nations Senior Secondary School Conference, held in collaboration with WHO Namibia, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), the British High Commission in Namibia and the Ministry of Education, Arts and culture was organized.
However, it is emphasized that the growing burden of chronic diseases and pandemics poses a challenge to public health systems. A challenge that requires innovative approaches to improving population health.
Lassa fever in Nigeria: strong decline noted
In Nigeria, the Lassa fever epidemic continues in several states, although there has been a sharp decline in cases. According to the latest report from the Nigeria Center for Disease Prevention (NCDC), the number of new confirmed cases of Lassa fever has significantly decreased in the 50th week of the year from 21 cases reported in the epidemiological week 49 of 2023, to only 10 cases. These cases were recorded in various states including Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Delta, Benue and Ebonyi, it said.
Cumulatively, a total of 206 Lassa fever-related deaths were reported from week 1 to week 50 of 2023. The death rate calculated for this period is 17.3%, lower than that of the same period in 2022 (18.3%).
During 2023, Lassa fever has spread to 28 states in Nigeria, affecting a total of 120 local government areas. A significant proportion of these cases, 76%, came from just three states: Ondo, Edo and Bauchi. Specifically, 35% of confirmed cases were in Ondo, 28% in Edo and 13% in Bauchi. Specifically, the most affected age group is those aged 21 to 30, although cases have also been reported in people aged 1 to 93. The average age of those affected is 32 years.
As a reminder, transmission of the Lassa fever virus occurs when people come into contact with the feces of the reservoir host (a rodent) or are in healthcare facilities.
Sudan: A cholera epidemic exacerbated by conflict
According to local media sources, the Sudanese Ministry of Health announced on Monday, December 25, 2023 that the number of confirmed cholera cases had reached 8,267 and the number of deaths had reached 224. The health authority also mentioned that the epidemic had spread to 46 locations in 9 Sudanese states as of December 23, 2023. This increase in incidence represents an estimated increase of 104% since November 23, 2023. This epidemic is spreading in a context where the recent, ongoing armed conflict leaves large numbers of displaced people living in camps in several states live at high risk of cholera due to overpopulation and precarious hygiene and sanitation conditions.
In Zambia: Cholera is made worse by anthrax
Further south, Zambia, already grappling with its worst anthrax outbreak in more than a decade, is now seeing a rise in the death toll from cholera. Four people died of cholera in 24 hours in Lusaka, the country’s capital, according to recent health reports. This brings the total number of cholera deaths across the country to 64 since the beginning of this 2023.
The two epidemics of anthrax and cholera represent a health crisis for Zambia. To combat diarrheal diseases (caused by consumption of food or water contaminated with certain bacteria), the Zambian government has taken measures to use chlorine to purify water in the areas most affected by diarrhea distributed in affected areas. The Minister of Health appealed to the population to adhere to strict hygiene measures to contain the spread of the disease.
Note that in addition to Zambia, other African countries including Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe have also reported cases of anthrax this year. These cases have accumulated to around 1,100 suspected cases and 20 deaths, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and requiring a coordinated response across the continent.
Zika virus in Senegal and Mali
According to a recent ECOWAS epidemiological report, the Zika virus continues to occur in the West African region, particularly in Senegal and Mali. In Senegal, the Pasteur Institute in Dakar confirmed two cases of the Zika virus on December 7, 2023. The first case, in the Sokone district (Fatick region), involves a woman of unknown age; the second case, in the Sédhiou region, involves an 18-year-old woman. Senegalese health authorities responded by conducting investigations, taking on cases and communicating the risks.
In Mali, the first confirmed cases of Zika virus were reported on December 1, 2023, followed by nine additional cases on December 4, 2023. The twelve cases were from Bamako district and Koulikoro region, including two cases of co-infection with dengue fever. Malian authorities have recommended preventative measures such as rapid reporting of potential cases, raising public awareness and controlling mosquito vector habitats.
In total, there were 15 confirmed cases of Zika virus in the ECOWAS region in 2023, with no deaths reported.
The mosquito-borne Zika virus continues to pose a public health threat in the region and requires continued surveillance and prevention measures to contain its spread.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
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