Africa CDC Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Escalating Mpox Crisis in DRC

The African Union's health agency, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has declared a public health emergency due to the escalating mpox outbreak across the continent. This announcement underscores the severity of the situation as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) grapples with the highest number of cases and fatalities. With over 38,000 reported cases and a death toll exceeding 1,450 since January 2022, the need for urgent intervention is clear. Jean Kaseya, the director of Africa CDC, expressed a profound sense of responsibility during an online media briefing. He characterized the declaration as a "clarion call for action," emphasizing that the time for reactive measures has passed. "We can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat," Kaseya stated, highlighting the widespread impact of mpox on families and communities throughout Africa. This declaration marks a pivotal moment for the Africa CDC, as it utilizes its newly bestowed continental security powers for the first time. It aims to mobilize resources and funding to combat the outbreak effectively. Boghuma Titanji, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, regarded this move as crucial in coordinating efforts among African nations. However, she pointed out the shortcomings of relying heavily on external aid, which has exposed vulnerabilities in the continent’s health response systems. The timing of this declaration also coincides with a World Health Organization (WHO) emergency committee meeting set for August 14, where officials will consider whether to designate mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Kaseya stated that the Africa CDC's declaration could complement the WHO's actions, reflecting a unified approach to addressing the crisis. In a show of international cooperation, the United States government has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the DRC and other nations affected by mpox. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel noted that the US has already contributed an additional $17 million to support African countries' preparedness and response efforts against the virus this year. Historically, mpox, known previously as monkeypox, was first identified in humans in the DRC in 1970. The recent surge in cases can be attributed to the Clade Ib subclade, particularly affecting the DRC since September 2023. The disease, transmitted from infected animals to humans and through close human contact, manifests in symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and distinctive boil-like skin lesions. The declaration of a public health emergency is a solemn reminder of the ongoing health challenges faced by many African nations. Although international attention has been drawn to the outbreak, concerns remain about access to essential resources such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. As the continent unites to combat mpox, the focus must shift towards sustainable solutions that empower local healthcare systems and reduce dependence on external aid. The unfolding situation presents a critical moment for African nations to collaborate more closely and allocate necessary funding to enhance their health infrastructures. In doing so, they can better respond to current threats and prepare for future public health emergencies. As the continent rallies to address this crisis, the hope is that lessons learned will lead to a strengthened collective response, safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of African citizens.