SEEING mpox as a health issue solely confined to Africa is both misleading and inappropriate, according to Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Speaking during a virtual briefing on Tuesday, Kaseya emphasised that while mpox remains a significant health challenge in Africa, it is also a pressing global concern.
‘Mpox is a major health issue primarily in Africa but also globally,’ Kaseya stated. He highlighted that, in response, the Africa CDC has established its first-ever continental Incident Management Team alongside a comprehensive response plan aimed at tackling the virus across Africa.
Kaseya further explained that Africa CDC is actively collaborating with African Union member states, heads of state, and various stakeholders to spearhead a unified approach against the virus. This collaborative effort aims to create a robust and coordinated continental response mechanism.
As of Monday, the Africa CDC reported 22,863 mpox cases across 13 African Union member states. These cases include 3,641 confirmed infections, 19,222 suspected cases, and 622 deaths. Central Africa remains the most affected region, with 20,719 cases and 618 deaths, followed by smaller outbreaks in East, Southern, and West Africa.
Gabon recently confirmed its first mpox case on August 22, involving a traveller returning from Uganda, making it the latest country to report an outbreak. While North Africa has yet to report any cases, the rising numbers across other regions underscore the urgent need for coordinated public health efforts.
Kaseya urged member states to strengthen their surveillance mechanisms, which he noted is crucial for organising a well-informed and effective response across the continent. Additionally, Africa CDC is working to secure vaccines to help contain the virus, having already secured 250,000 doses with another 165,000 in the procurement process.
‘Addressing mpox requires a coordinated effort, not just in Africa but globally,’ Kaseya concluded, reiterating that the fight against the virus is a collective responsibility that transcends borders.
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