Africa Health Leaders Declare Urgent Action Against Rising Fungal Diseases
Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Health experts and policymakers across Africa are calling for urgent continental action to combat fungal infections after the region’s first high-level summit dedicated to the growing health threat.
The meeting, hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) in Addis Ababa from March 2 to 4, brings together scientists, clinicians, policymakers and funders seeking solutions to what experts describe as a “silent epidemic”.
A report from the summit, released Tuesday, highlights significant gaps in diagnostics, treatment access and surveillance systems across Africa.
Experts say fungal infections contribute to nearly half of AIDS-related deaths in the region and worsen diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.
Fungal keratitis also remains a leading cause of blindness, while millions suffer from skin infections that are becoming more virulent and resistant to treatment.
A 2022 survey by GAFFI and Africa CDC across 48 African Union countries finds that many nations lack basic laboratory tools required to detect fungal diseases early, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and preventable deaths.
Participants at the summit agreed to strengthen collaboration in research, surveillance and clinical care while aligning continental strategies with the upcoming World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List Blueprint.
Dr Elvis Temfack, Head of Research and Development and Clinical Trials Coordination at Africa CDC, says coordinated investment is essential.
“The way forward calls for patient-centred, priority-driven collaboration supported by networks that build capacity and sustainable local financing for research and healthcare,” Temfack says.
Africa Lead at GAFFI, Emma Orefuwa, says the summit marks a turning point for the continent’s health response.
“This summit sets a new course for collective action across Africa and lays the groundwork for stronger partnerships and improved diagnostic capacity,” she says
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 