The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), an autonomous health body of the African Union, has declared Mpox (Monkeypox) a public health emergency across the continent. The announcement marks a significant step in response to the growing threat posed by the virus, which has seen a sharp increase in cases and fatalities in recent months.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of Africa CDC, announced the decision following consultations with over 600 African leaders and top health experts, including Prof. Nelson Sewankambo of Uganda’s Makerere University.
“Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent. Families have been torn apart, and suffering has touched every corner of Africa,” Dr. Kaseya stated. “With a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, we declare Mpox a public health emergency of continental security.”
Dr. Kaseya emphasized that this declaration would enable a proactive and coordinated response across African governments, led by Africa CDC, to combat the rising cases of Mpox. He highlighted that this would enhance cross-border operations aimed at preventing the further spread of the virus.
However, Dr. Kaseya clarified that they do not recommend travel restrictions over Mpox, which Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, head of the Emergency Consultative Group for Africa CDC, described as “mild” but increasing at a concerning rate.
Prof. Karim noted that the number of cases in Africa has surged, surpassing the figures seen when the World Health Organization previously declared an international public health emergency (PHEIC). “There are far more cases now in Africa than even during the WHO’s declaration,” he said.
“We looked at the evidence and reflected on it in relation to a set of criteria developed by Africa CDC. The criteria were very helpful and comprehensive. This allowed us to identify key areas that need further understanding and attention,” Prof. Karim explained.
He also raised concerns about new cases emerging in countries that had previously reported no infections. “The evidence suggests that transmission is mostly human-to-human rather than zoonotic, meaning it’s not being spread from an animal reservoir,” he added.
Data from Africa CDC shows that the surge in Mpox cases across Africa in 2024 has matched the total number reported in 2023 within just the first six months of the year. From January to July 2024, 15,074 Mpox cases (2,853 confirmed and 12,221 suspected) and 461 deaths (a case fatality rate of 3.06 percent) were reported across twelve African Union member states.
“This represents a 160 percent increase in cases and a 19 percent increase in deaths in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023,” the agency said in a statement on August 2.
, an autonomous health body of the African Union, has declared Mpox (Monkeypox) a public health emergency across the continent.){kind=link}