Mpox Outbreak Threatens Africa and Beyond

The Mpox outbreak has been rapidly escalating across Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several neighboring countries being hit particularly hard. As of August 4, 2024, Africa had recorded over 38,000 Mpox cases and 1,450 deaths since January 2022. The emergence of a new strain, Clade 1b, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, is especially concerning and has been detected in countries neighbouring the DRC that have not reported Mpox before.

“Africa CDC declares a public health emergency of Continental security in close consultation with affected Member States and appropriate relevant stakeholders. This declaration is a call to action and we must be proactive and eliminate this threat. Mpox is a global threat that knows no boundaries. It is a virus that exploits our vulnerabilities, playing on our weakest point.” H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya stated.

In declaring the PHEIC, Dr Tedros said, "The emergence of a new clade of Mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying. On top of outbreaks of other Mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”

Coordinated International Response is Crucial

The declarations by Africa CDC and WHO are a call to action, signalling that a reactive approach is no longer viable. A proactive and vigorous strategy is needed to manage and eradicate this threat. Coordinated international action is crucial to stop these outbreaks and save lives.

We also acknowledge the efforts of establishing a special committee of 20 scientists, the Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), to guide and advise the DG of Africa CDC in declaring the Mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).

Strengthening Partnerships and Mobilizing Resources

The Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF), the fundraising arm of Africa CDC, is well-prepared for the Mpox emergency response. During COVID-19, APHF raised over $28 million to tackle the pandemic. With the experience and investment infrastructure built over time, APHF is uniquely positioned to take swift and effective action in response to the Mpox emergency.

However, the $4 billion funding requirement will be crucial in providing necessary resources, including medical treatment, containment measures, and public health education, to effectively combat the outbreak. The Africa CDC is calling on donors, partners, and other stakeholders to contribute urgently to this cause.

Lessons Learned from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that global health threats require a coordinated international response. The lack of support from foreign donors during the previous Mpox outbreak in 2022 revealed a critical weakness in the current response strategies. We must learn from these lessons and demonstrate solidarity in the face of this new challenge.

The Mpox outbreak is a global threat that knows no boundaries. It is a virus that exploits our vulnerabilities and plays on our weakest points. However, it is also an opportunity for the global community to come together and demonstrate our strength and resilience.

By working together, sharing resources and expertise, and prioritizing the health and well-being of all people, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever before. The time to act is now, and the world is watching.