Africa has almost 4,000 new mpox cases in a week
Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in mpox cases, with nearly 4,000 reported in the past week, according to the continent’s public health body. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), shared this update during an online briefing on Tuesday. In the past week, Africa reported 81 mpox-related deaths, bringing the totals to 22,863 cases and 622 deaths. Despite promises of 380,000 doses of mpox vaccines from Western partners like the European Union and the United States, this amounts to less than 15% of what is needed to control the outbreaks, particularly in Congo, the epicenter of the global health emergency. The first batch of promised vaccines for Congo, including 50,000 doses from the U.S. and 15,000 from the GAVI vaccines alliance, is now expected to arrive on September 1 after delays related to documentation and emergency authorization. Congo has also requested at least 2 million additional doses from Japan, with negotiations reportedly advanced. The new mpox variant, first identified in Congo, is causing significant community transmission elsewhere, including nearly 800 cases in neighboring Burundi over the last month. The U.S. has donated 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines to Nigeria, marking the first known donation to Africa since the current outbreaks began. Nigeria has recorded 40 mpox cases this year. The Africa CDC is developing a unified response plan for the outbreaks, which will be presented to African heads of state in September. Meanwhile, health measures and hygiene practices are being promoted across Africa to slow the virus’s spread, though enforcing these measures is challenging in Congo’s displaced camps amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.
CrowdStrike lowers revenue estimate after global IT outage
CrowdStrike lowered its annual revenue estimate after a software update caused a major global IT outage in July, according to its financial results statement released Wednesday. The American cybersecurity technology company forecasts annual revenue to come in between $3.89 billion to $3.9 billion for the full year of the 2025 fiscal year. The forecast is lower than the firm’s prior estimate of between $3.98 billion to $4.01 billion. “Working with customers to recover from the July 19th incident, we emerge as an even more resilient and even more customer-obsessed CrowdStrike, continuing to aggressively invest in innovation,” CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said in the statement. The global outage hit thousands of computers around the world and caused interruptions in devices using the Windows operating system. The company posted total revenue of $963.9 million in the second quarter for the 2025 fiscal year, a 32% increase from $731.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Net income attributable to CrowdStrike came in at $47 million, up from $8.5 million, during that period. CrowdStrike shares were up 3.99% on the Nasdaq in after-hours trading.
Spain to unveil new strategy for African relations
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Wednesday that Spain will introduce a new strategy for its relations with Africa in the coming weeks, with West Africa and the Sahel as priority regions. Further details were not provided. Sánchez, who began his three-day West Africa tour in Mauritania, where he announced an expansion of Spain’s circular migration program and increased cooperation against human trafficking, is now in Senegal. This marks the first visit by a Spanish prime minister to the small country of 2.7 million inhabitants. On Wednesday, Sánchez visited Gambia and is scheduled to meet with Senegal’s president and prime minister on Thursday. These three coastal nations have become major departure points for migrants heading to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago near the African coast used by migrants and refugees en route to Europe. Spain’s Interior Ministry reports that over 22,000 people have arrived on the Canaries since January, more than double the number from the same period last year. Sánchez emphasized during a conference in Senegal that while he strongly supports regular migration for its economic and cultural benefits, ensuring security remains a top priority. He acknowledged the complexities of the current migration context and reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with African countries. The Canary Islands have seen an increase in arrivals, including many Malian refugees escaping violence, as well as young people from Senegal, Mauritania, and other West African nations seeking better opportunities. There is also a growing number of unaccompanied minors, which has strained local resources.
400,000 at risk of flooding and landslides in Ethiopia
Due to ongoing heavy rains in northern Ethiopia, approximately 400,000 people are at risk of flooding and landslides. Tesfaw Batable, an official from the Amhara Region, highlighted the risks of floods and landslides in an interview with Amhara TV. He noted that continuous rains in 32 districts of Amhara have placed around 400,000 people in danger from landslides and floods. Batable described the situation as critical in the affected areas of North Gondar, South Gondar, and Wag Hemra, and mentioned that efforts are being made to prepare for potential disasters. The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute has also warned of an increased risk of landslides due to the heavy rains. On August 27, 23 people were killed in a landslide caused by heavy rains in Amhara.
Sudan’s people in desperate need of aid, warns RSF
The RSF has called on the international community to provide immediate aid to Sudan, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to floods, famine, and ongoing conflict.
Namibia blocks Israeli-bound ship carrying explosives
Ship carrying military cargo, including explosives, has been denied entry to Namibia’s port due to concerns about its destination and the potential implications for the conflict in Gaza.
Ethiopia warns of tensions as new AU mission approaches
Egypt’s military support to Somalia sparks controversy as Ethiopia raises concerns about the potential consequences for regional stability and the upcoming AU mission.
Spain strengthens Africa ties to combat migrant crisis
New agreements aim to reduce the number of deaths on the perilous Atlantic route.
Tanzanian police uncover mass ritual killings
Ten people, including a young child, were allegedly murdered by a traditional healer.
DR Congo, Uganda release 43 civilians held by ADF rebels
The hostages, including women and children, were released after a joint military operation.
Africa faces funding shortage to combat mpox outbreak
Africa is desperately seeking funds to combat the surging mpox outbreak, with less than 10% of the estimated $245 million needed secured.
African nations accelerate efforts towards United Nations’ SDG’s
Across Africa, nations are intensifying their efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
SAF halts arrests of South Sudanese after Juba’s intervention
The raids, marked by fear and uncertainty, led to numerous arrests of South Sudanese refugees, who were accused—often without evidence—of collaborating with the RSF
SA billionaire tops Dangote as Africa’s richest
Rupert, whose company owns global luxury brands like Cartier and Montblanc, saw his net worth surge by $1.9 billion, reaching $14.3 billion
WFP probes SAF’s fraud and obstruction in humanitarian aid crisis
The WFP’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is leading the investigation, focusing on allegations of fraud and deliberate misinformation
Namibia blocks ship carrying weapons to Israel from entering its port
Namibia, a South African country, denied entry to the ship “MV Kathrin,” which was carrying weapons to Israel, into its territorial waters and Walvis Bay Port. According to Namibia’s New Era newspaper, Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab instructed relevant authorities, including the Namibia Ports Authority, to prevent the ship from entering the country’s waters. In a statement to the press, Dausab highlighted Namibia’s clear stance on Palestine, noting that a more detailed investigation by the Namibia Police Force revealed the ship was carrying explosives intended for Israel, leading to the ban on its entry. Dausab called for an end to violence in Palestine and emphasized that after receiving reports of the ship carrying weapons to Israel, she reminded authorities of Namibia’s international obligations, as indicated by both the Genocide Convention and recent advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She requested that the ship be denied access to Walvis Bay Port based on these considerations. Dausab stressed the need for all nations, particularly African countries, to take a firm stance against Israel and reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and condemning ongoing genocide against them. No information was provided about the ship’s origin. Following Germany’s support for Israel amid genocide charges at the ICJ, former Namibian President Hage Geingob criticized Germany on January 13, stating that Germany cannot morally commit to the UN Genocide Convention, recalling the genocide and forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Namibians between 1904 and 1908.
Labeling mpox as solely an African health Issue ‘inappropriate’: A...
As of Aug. 26, Africa CDC reported total of 22,863 mpox cases across 13 AU member states
Nigeria has received 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccine sent by the U.S
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has received 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccine from the U.S. as part of the fight against the Mpox virus. The 10,000 doses of Jynneos vaccine, sent through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), were delivered to officials in the capital, Abuja. The delivery ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Abuja Richard Mills, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachillom, and other guests. Ambassador Mills stated that the vaccines would support the Nigerian government’s response to the ongoing Mpox outbreak. Nigeria has reported 39 Mpox cases this year. To prevent the spread of the disease, the Nigerian government has prepared a health declaration form for international travelers. The African Union has declared a continent-wide public health emergency in response to the rapidly spreading Mpox virus in African countries. Mpox virus is transmitted from rodents such as rats and squirrels or from infected individuals. Key transmission methods include touching body lesions, using contaminated clothing or bedding, and contact with body fluids. Symptoms can appear 5 to 21 days after infection and include high fever, headaches, back and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, and a rash similar to chickenpox. There is no specific treatment for Mpox; antiviral medications are used, and most cases are mild, with recovery occurring within a few weeks. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) renamed “monkeypox” to “mpox” to address concerns about racism and discrimination.
African countries pledge over $45M to WHO
Jean Kaseya, Director of the Africa CDC, stated that the Mpox outbreak is a global issue, not just Africa’s problem. In a press briefing, Kaseya reported on the developments related to Mpox, noting that as of August 26, there were 22,863 cases and 622 deaths in 13 African Union member countries. He emphasized that Mpox is a significant health concern both in Africa and globally. Kaseya added that efforts to combat the outbreak are ongoing, with Central Africa being the most affected region. Mpox virus is transmitted through contact with infected animals like rodents or from contaminated individuals. Key transmission methods include touching lesions, using contaminated clothing or bedding, and contact with body fluids. Symptoms can appear 5 to 21 days after infection and include high fever, headaches, back and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, and rash similar to chickenpox. There is no specific treatment for Mpox; antiviral medications are used, and most cases are mild, with recovery occurring within a few weeks. In 2022, the WHO renamed “monkeypox” to “mpox” to address concerns about racism and discrimination.
African Union: Mpox is a global issue, not just Africa’s
The 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa began on Monday, August 26, in Brazzaville, Congo. Over the next five days, nearly 1,000 delegates, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and health ministers from 47 member countries, will convene. A key topic is the global Mpox epidemic. WHO Regional Director for Africa emphasized the commitment to addressing Mpox differently from past responses and noted extensive support for member states to develop effective plans. The session will focus on several critical health issues, including: Africa has long dealt with high mortality from diseases like malaria, meningitis, and cholera. Joy Phumaphi, executive secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, highlighted the continent’s expertise in managing epidemics, including Mpox. The WHO recently declared a global emergency due to a new and more deadly strain of the Mpox virus. The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the crisis, is participating in the Brazzaville meeting. On August 26, the WHO launched a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to tackle human-to-human Mpox transmission, requiring $135 million in funding through February 2025. Key international health organizations have pledged additional support to combat Mpox outbreaks in Africa. At least 14 African countries and health partners pledged over $45 million Tuesday toward the World Health Organization (WHO) Investment Round, a three-month-old initiative aimed at generating sustainable financing for the global health organization. The pledges were made during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa taking place in the Republic of Congo. In a statement, the WHO said the funding will enable it to more effectively fulfill its mandate and advance key objectives to promote, provide and protect health and well-being for all. “I thank our African Region Member States for actively supporting WHO’s first Investment Round to mobilize predictable and flexible resources needed for our core work over the next four years,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Full, sustainable funding will enable WHO to support countries better in their work to build healthier, more resilient and more prosperous populations.” The countries included Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania and Gambia. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, noted that a strong, predictable and sustainably financed organization is essential for the region and the world to meet multiple health threats and support the prevention of disease based on vast evidence. “Every pledge and every partnership counts. Together, we can achieve a future where health and well-being are accessible to all,” she said. The WHO officials believe with a fully and sustainably funded operating budget over the next four years, the organization will be better positioned to tackle emergencies and outbreaks that threaten lives and jeopardize global health security. Meanwhile, delegates at the forum on Tuesday nominated Tanzania’s Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile as the next WHO regional director for Africa. He beat candidates from Niger, Senegal and Rwanda in closed voting. He is set to replace Moeti, whose second five-year term is nearing an end. Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO executive board which will take place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Flooding in Nigeria claims 170 lives after weeks of devastation
1,941 injured, 205,338 displaced from their homes in nearly all states of Nigeria in 2 weeks of rain and flood, says national emergency, with downpours forecast to continue next month
Cholera peaks as floods, war hit hard Sudan
Sudan is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak and widespread flooding, fueled by ongoing conflict.
South Africa’s graft probe reveals $7 billion in losses
The losses amount to billions of dollars and have had devastating consequences for the country’s economy.
US pushes for humanitarian code in Sudan war
The United States is urging Sudan’s warring parties to adopt a code of conduct to reduce violence and protect civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
Prosecutors seek death penalty for 50 in DRC coup attempt
In a high-profile trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prosecutors have called for the death penalty for 50 defendants, including three Americans, accused of participating in a failed coup attempt in May.
Lake Malawi: The world’s most biodiverse freshwater lake
Here’s why Lake Malawi, nestled between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, is a global treasure
Spain to donate 500,000 mpox vaccine doses to fight Africa outbreak
The World Health Organization recently declared mpox a global public health emergency after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo spread to neighboring countries
