Africa Grapples with Unprecedented Mpox Outbreak: Urgent Measures and Coordinated Response Underway

Africa is currently facing an alarming surge in Mpox cases, with 15 countries across the continent reporting significant outbreaks since January. As of Thursday, a staggering 2,030 cases and 13 deaths have been confirmed this year alone, compared to 1,145 cases and seven deaths in the entirety of 2023. The sharp rise in cases, particularly with a new variant emerging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has prompted swift action from African leaders and health agencies.

Mpox, a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), manifests through symptoms such as skin rashes, mucosal lesions, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. While the illness can be transmitted through physical contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or animals, the current outbreak is particularly concerning due to its rapid spread and the emergence of a new variant, Clade Ib. This variant, circulating predominantly in the DRC, has been linked to a higher rate of transmission, especially among children.

The DRC has reported the highest number of cases, accounting for 90% of the continent’s total. Neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, have also reported cases linked to this new variant, raising concerns about its cross-border spread. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the urgency of the situation, with Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the agency’s Regional Director for Africa, emphasising the need for immediate action to halt the virus’s transmission. “The priority is to rapidly interrupt the transmission of the virus,” Dr. Moeti stated, underscoring the collaborative efforts between WHO and African nations.

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In response to the escalating crisis, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is leading the charge in coordinating the continent’s response. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, has been actively engaging with African leaders, including H.E. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), to mobilise resources and strengthen response strategies. President Ghazouani has pledged his full support, including convening a special meeting of African Heads of State to address the epidemic and bolster the resilience of Africa’s health systems.

The situation has prompted discussions about declaring an mpox emergency, a move that would allow Africa CDC to better coordinate cross-border responses and mobilise domestic and international resources. Dr. Kaseya indicated that this declaration could be made as early as next week, following consultations with AU leadership.

In addition to these measures, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an emergency committee of experts to determine whether the outbreak in Africa constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This designation would further galvanise global efforts to support the continent’s response to the epidemic.

The spread of the virus to previously unaffected regions, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, underscores the need for a coordinated and robust response.

As Africa navigates this public health crisis, the continent’s leaders and health agencies are demonstrating a unified commitment to protecting the health and well-being of their citizens. The response to the mpox epidemic not only aims to control the current outbreak but also to strengthen Africa’s health systems for future challenges, ensuring that the continent is better prepared to manage and mitigate public health threats.

This unprecedented situation highlights the importance of solidarity, swift action, and effective leadership in safeguarding the health of the African people. The coming weeks will be critical as Africa CDC, WHO, and other stakeholders work together to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of this dangerous virus.