Africa on the Brink of Declaring Public Health Emergency Amid Escalating Mpox Crisis

Africa on the Brink of Declaring Public Health Emergency Amid Escalating Mpox Crisis

The African continent is set to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as the Mpox outbreak continues to spread across multiple countries. This announcement was made by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), during a webinar on Thursday. The discussion focused on the Mpox situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected regions in Africa.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that shares similarities with smallpox, albeit generally less severe. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and can spread through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects. The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed monkeypox to Mpox in 2022 to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.

Dr. Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response to contain the disease, warning that the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken. “Mpox is a reality, and Africans are dying,” he stated. The declaration of PHECS, expected next week, is aimed at mobilizing resources, enhancing cross-border responses, and strengthening Africa’s health systems.

The impending declaration will be guided by health experts and political leaders across the continent, ensuring a unified and effective approach to the outbreak. Dr. Kaseya also highlighted the importance of youth involvement, noting that their energy and innovation are crucial in combating the virus’s spread.

The Africa CDC has been actively monitoring and responding to the Mpox outbreak, which has sparked significant concern due to its rapid spread and the rising number of fatalities. Since January 2022, Africa has recorded 38,465 Mpox cases and 1,456 deaths, with a 160% increase in cases in 2024 compared to 2023. The outbreak has now reached 16 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Uganda, marking their first-ever reported cases.

Dr. Kaseya provided insights into specific cases, such as the first Mpox outbreak in Côte d’Ivoire, where a 46-year-old agricultural worker and a 20-year-old student from Abidjan were infected. In Kenya, a 42-year-old truck driver was identified as the first case at the Taita Taveta border, and in Uganda, two cases were reported in the Kasese district, both imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mpox poses a significant risk with a 3.2% case fatality rate, particularly affecting children under 15. As Africa prepares to declare the PHECS, the global community is closely watching, recognizing the continent’s response as pivotal for public health security worldwide.