Urgent Calls for Action as Mpox Cases Surge 160% Across Africa in Crisis Response

The recent surge in mpox cases across Africa has prompted urgent calls for a coordinated response as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers declaring a continental public health emergency. The announcement by Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director general of the Africa CDC, underscores the escalating crisis, with new confirmed and suspected cases rising by an alarming 160% compared to last year. In just the past week alone, 887 new cases were reported, bringing the total for the year to a staggering 15,132. The outbreak has not only highlighted the vulnerability of many African nations to infectious diseases, but it has also cast a spotlight on the importance of collaboration among member states of the African Union. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the necessity of "active engagement" to prevent mpox from spiraling into another pandemic. As the disease spreads across borders, it has already reached sixteen countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) facing the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for over 90% of reported cases. The situation is dire, with 461 fatalities linked to the virus this year. Newly affected countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are experiencing mpox for the first time, signaling a concerning trend that calls for immediate action. Dr. Kaseya’s remarks resonate with the urgency conveyed by the World Health Organization's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who announced plans to convene an emergency committee to assess the potential declaration of a global emergency due to the spread of mpox. The technical and strategic process for declaring a continental public health emergency involves consultations between the Africa CDC and affected member states, culminating in an extraordinary summit for heads of state to discuss a unified response. This cooperative approach is seen as vital in containing the outbreak and mitigating its impact on public health. Mpox, a viral disease that manifests through painful rashes and flu-like symptoms, is spread primarily through direct contact between individuals and from animals to humans. The disease is closely related to smallpox, and its virulence has been a growing concern, especially following the identification of a new strain in the DRC that exhibits increased transmissibility. While nations in the West have managed to control the disease with vaccines, Africa faces a significant challenge due to a severe shortage of vaccine doses. Dr. Kaseya highlighted the stark reality that only 200,000 doses are available for a continent that requires at least 10 million to effectively combat the outbreak. The Africa CDC is actively collaborating with international partners to secure additional supplies, emphasizing that swift action is critical. As the situation unfolds, the call for solidarity and collective action among African nations becomes increasingly vital. The time for a decisive and cooperative response to the mpox outbreak is now, to ensure the health and safety of millions across the continent.