The African continent is grappling with an alarming rise in mpox cases, which has been spreading to countries previously untouched by the disease. In response, Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has declared the disease a public health emergency of continental security, emphasizing that this is a call to action, not a mere formality.
The outbreak is largely concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accounts
for over 90% of cases, but the disease has spread to 16 countries, including Burundi,
Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with more than 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported. Kaseya
highlights the urgency of being proactive rather than reactive, stressing the need for a
coordinated global response to mitigate the threat and protect public health. Africa CDC is finalizing a joint response plan, and the World Health Organization is considering whether to declare the outbreak an international emergency, Devex Senior Reporter Sara Jerving writes. WHO has expressed concerns about potential overlap with Africa CDC's emergency declaration, but Kaseya insists that regional cooperation is essential to contain the spread.
This is the first time Africa CDC has declared a public health emergency, a move supported by wide-ranging consultations and an Emergency Consultative Group recommendation. Despite the African Union's recent approval of $10.4 million for the response, Kaseya warns that $4 billion is needed and urges global partners to provide the necessary support.
The continent faces significant challenges, including limited vaccine access, with only
200,000 doses available against a need for 10 million. Negotiations with WHO and other
partners are ongoing, but the situation is dire, particularly in the DRC, where a new
mpox variant has caused a surge in cases and fatalities — and is affecting children more
severely than adults. Experts emphasize the need for increased surveillance, contact tracing,
and community engagement to stop the spread.
Kaseya cautions against actions such as border closures and travel restrictions, calling
instead for global cooperation. “We need your support,” he says. “We need your expertise. We need your solidarity.”
(images from Google images)
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