By 9jaeye 
The Mpox outbreak in Africa has reached alarming levels, with over 17,000 confirmed cases reported in 2024 alone. This significant surge has prompted the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), emphasizing the need for urgent action across the continent.
Rapid Rise in Cases
As of August 2024, 17,541 cases and 517 deaths have been confirmed across 13 African Union member states. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the hardest hit, accounting for the vast majority of cases and fatalities. This marks a 160% increase in infections compared to the same period in 2023. The spread of Mpox is no longer limited to historically affected countries, as cases have been detected in several previously unaffected nations, including Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda(Africa CDC).
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Children and people living with HIV are particularly vulnerable to severe Mpox infections. Reports indicate that over 60% of cases involve children younger than 15 years, raising concerns about high fatality rates among this group. In addition, Mpox transmission in some regions, such as the DRC, has shifted towards heterosexual transmission, especially among sex workers. This change in transmission patterns has heightened fears of vertical transmission and adverse outcomes for pregnant women.
Challenges in Containment
The rapid spread of Mpox across Africa highlights major weaknesses in surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and vaccine availability. Many countries lack the resources to effectively test, trace, and treat Mpox cases, leading to an underreporting of infections. Additionally, the limited supply of Mpox vaccines has hindered efforts to contain the outbreak. Africa CDC officials stress the need for a coordinated international response to stop the virus from spreading further(World Health Organization (WHO))
Call for International Support
Africa CDC has called on global health partners to support the continent’s efforts in combating Mpox. The agency has mobilized resources to strengthen health systems, enhance laboratory testing, and boost risk communication across affected regions. However, officials warn that without timely intervention, the outbreak could worsen, with the potential for the virus to spread to other regions of the world.
Urgent action is necessary to prevent further loss of life and to curb the spread of this deadly virus. Public health officials are urging governments and international organizations to prioritize vaccine distribution, improve health infrastructure, and educate communities about Mpox prevention.
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