WHO WATCH: Yellow Fever in Africa: What We Know

Speakers:

• Maria Van Kerkhove — Director a.i., Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management Department, WHO
• Laurence Cibrelus — EYE Strategy lead, Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management Department, WHO
• Mory Keita — Regional Advisor, Infectious Hazard Preparedness, WHO Africa Region
• Abdou Salam Gueye — Regional Emergency Director, WHO African Region
• Lassane Kafando — Unit Chief, Epidemic Surveillance unit, Ministry of Health, Burkina Faso

Description:

‘Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a significant public health threat in tropical regions of Africa and South America. Despite being preventable through vaccination, yellow fever continues to cause severe outbreaks, highlighting the need for effective control measures and ongoing epidemiological monitoring. The Eliminate Yellow fever Epidemics (EYE) is a global multi-partner initiative aimed at eliminating yellow fever epidemics. While sporadic cases are expected in endemic areas, outbreaks should decline as the EYE Strategy progresses.

‘Despite ongoing vaccination efforts, yellow fever cases continue to emerge in several countries of Africa including those without recent cases such as Burkina Faso and Liberia. In certain contexts, cases have the potential to lead to an epidemic. To accurately assess this risk, comprehensive field epidemiological and entomological investigations are necessary. Challenges in conducting these investigations hinder the ability to accurately assess this risk.’

Objectives:

• To provide an up-to-date overview of the current yellow fever epidemiological situation in endemic countries in Africa, including challenges faced to investigate cases,
• To share recent developments in the EYE Strategy’s regional implementation with a focus on surveillance efforts in high-risk countries, and
• To facilitate knowledge exchange among public health authorities and partners to support coordinated regional action against yellow fever.