Africa Health Report: Top 10 Health Stories of the Week, 29 September – 5 October 2025
Mirian Gom 
📝 Editor’s Note
From global health innovation to grassroots mobilisation, this week’s stories reveal how African nations are tackling old and emerging public health threats with renewed urgency.
Across Nigeria and beyond, the fight against malaria, Lassa fever, and fake pharmaceuticals remains fierce. The Africa CDC’s malaria warning underscores how fragile recent gains are, while NAFDAC’s crackdown on counterfeit drugs shows a system fighting to protect citizens despite mounting challenges.
There’s also a reason for optimism: Ghana’s nationwide HPV vaccination drive, AI breakthroughs in epilepsy detection, and Gavi’s vaccines saving 1.7 million lives globally showcase how science and strategy are aligning to improve outcomes.
This week’s top 10 reflect the balance between innovation, vigilance, and accountability that defines Africa’s health progress. As the continent faces rising noncommunicable diseases, environmental hazards, and persistent epidemics, one message echoes loudly — health security is everyone’s business.
🔟 Top 10 Health Stories This Week
10. Kano Expands Hypertension Care to 208 Health Centres
In a push to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, Kano State has extended hypertension diagnosis and treatment services to 208 primary health centres…
9. FG Launches Cancer Awareness Fiesta, Screens 1,000 Civil Servants Free
The Federal Government marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by screening over 1,000 civil servants in Abuja, promoting early detection and prevention….
8. Nasarawa to Vaccinate 1.3m Children Against Measles, Rubella
Nasarawa State has announced plans to vaccinate 1.3 million children against measles and rubella as part of a national campaign to curb preventable diseases….
7. Gombe Governor Uncovers 440 Ghost Health Workers, Saves Billions
A major payroll audit in Gombe State has revealed 440 ghost workers in the health sector, saving the government billions and paving the way for reform…
6. Ghana Engages Leaders to Champion Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive
Ghana’s Ministry of Health is mobilising community leaders to champion HPV vaccination across all regions to prevent cervical cancer in girls and women…
5. Africa CDC Warns Malaria Threatens Continent’s Health Progress
The Africa CDC has raised alarm over surging malaria cases, warning that funding gaps and climate change could reverse years of public health progress…
4. NAFDAC Destroys ₦15bn Worth of Fake, Expired Drugs in Ibadan
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit and expired drugs worth ₦15 billion to safeguard public health…
3. AI Detects Tiny Brain Lesions in Children with Epilepsy
Scientists have developed artificial intelligence capable of detecting microscopic brain lesions in children with epilepsy, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes….
2. Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 168 in 2025
Nigeria’s Lassa fever death toll has risen to 168 this year, with an 18.5% fatality rate—raising serious concerns about surveillance and response capacity.
- Mpox, Cholera, Ebola Strain Africa Amid Worsening Health Crises
Multiple outbreaks—including Mpox, cholera, and Ebola—are straining health systems across Africa, exposing critical funding and emergency response gaps….
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 