The National Malaria Elimination Programme has applauded the Abia government for reducing malaria prevalence from 16.5 per cent in 2024 to 11.5 per cent in 2025.
Mr Boum disclosed that Madagascar had reported 202 confirmed Mpox cases, within 20 of 114 health districts affected.
Mr Boum said that despite the progress, Africa continued to face serious health threats, particularly from cholera, diphtheria, and viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Mr Boum stated, “Only 1.3 per cent of laboratories in the continent have bacteriology capacity.”
The findings showed strong vaccine acceptance across all study locations, with demand already exceeding supply in Nigeria and Kenya.
Mr Boum highlighted the need to scale up surveillance, cholera treatment centres and rehabilitation efforts.
They also called for stronger and more sustainable financing mechanisms.
Agencies estimate that they will need $1.69 billion, of which they have only received $368 million, to address the many intersecting humanitarian needs in the country.
Africa CDC said a new variant has also emerged, raising fresh concerns.
Mr Ojeifo noted that since the outbreak of Lassa fever was declared on December 30, 2024, the state had recorded 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases.
