The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the Mpox outbreak in Africa a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, made this declaration during a media briefing, highlighting the severity of the situation.
“I declare with a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, that we declare Mpox a public health emergency of continental security. Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent.
“This declaration is not merely a formality, it is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” he said.
He announced that 200,000 vaccines would be provided to the most affected countries, and gave the assurance that no one will be left behind.
Dr. Kaseya who said that the decision would not affect free movement of people and goods, urged governments to stay vigilant and cooperate in containing the disease.
He noted that Mpox is a global issue, not just Africa’s problem and appealed for support from the international community.
“We call on you to stand with us in this critical hour. Africa has long been on the frontlines in the fight against infectious diseases, often with limited resources. The battle against Mpox demands a global response. We need your support, expertise, and solidarity. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis,” Dr. Kaseya appealed.
The representative of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union, Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, explained that the decision to declare Mpox a public health emergency of continental security was based on several factors, including the current burden of Mpox in Africa, the rising number of cases, and its spread.
Chief of Staff at Africa CDC, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, noted that over 2,000 cases were reported in the last week alone.
According to a statement from Africa CDC, between January and July 2024, 15,074 Mpox cases were reported across Africa Union Member States, with 2,853 confirmed cases, 12,221 suspected cases, and 461 deaths.
The statement indicates that since 2023, Mpox cases have been reported in 17 African countries; namely Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, and South Africa.
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms include skin rash or sores, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus spreads through contact with infected people, contaminated materials, or animals.
On August 3, African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee approved an emergency allocation of $10.4 million from COVID funds to support Africa CDC in combating the Mpox outbreak across the continent.
