The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warned that instances of mpox are still increasing in several nations, making the outbreak a serious worry. In light of the discovery of a novel variety, the World Health Organization has designated this current outbreak as a public health emergency of global concern.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed serious flaws in health systems, nations all over the continent are struggling to contain this most recent outbreak. Many nations lack the necessary resources to handle another significant public health emergency.
There has been a 177% spike in mpox cases and a 38.5% increase in mortality over the last year, according to the Africa CDC. The mpox outbreak is frighteningly spreading and not under control in Africa, according to Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa CDC, who expressed grave concern about the current situation.
2,912 new cases were reported in just one week, one of which was in Morocco, indicating that the disease has already spread to all four areas of the continent. Currently, 15 of the 55 member states of the African Union have reported cases of mpox.
Thirteen deaths have been reported in the last week alone, as the pandemic continues to claim lives. The longevity of the illness and the gravity of the issue were emphasized by Kaseya.
There are two different disease strains that are circulating in nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon. However, it is challenging to determine the condition in other nations due to the absence of reliable testing and surveillance systems.
Early October is anticipated to see the start of vaccination campaigns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been determined to be the epicenter of the outbreak. A vaccination effort has been launched in Rwanda in reaction to the outbreak. This stage is vital to stop the disease from spreading.
The ongoing consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic, which have put a burden on infrastructure and health resources throughout the continent, exacerbate the problems caused by mpox.
African countries must strengthen their health systems and enhance surveillance as the situation progresses in order to successfully manage and contain the outbreak. Improving international collaboration and resource sharing may be essential to lessen the effects of mpox.
