The Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has declared a public health emergency in response to the worsening Mpox outbreak across the continent, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the most severely affected.
The outbreak, which has surged in multiple African countries, has been exacerbated by a new strain of the virus first detected in September 2023. This new strain has now spread beyond the DRC.
Since the beginning of the year, the DRC has reported over 14,000 Mpox cases and 511 deaths. Although Mpox outbreaks have been a recurring issue in the DRC for decades, the current situation is particularly alarming as the number of cases this year matches the total reported for the previous year, with the virus reaching new, previously unaffected areas.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya announced the emergency declaration, stating, “With great concern and unwavering commitment to our people, we declare Mpox a public health emergency of continental significance. The virus has crossed borders and is now affecting thousands across our continent, causing widespread suffering and disrupting lives.”
Kaseya emphasized that this declaration signifies a shift from a reactive to a proactive and aggressive approach to tackle the Mpox threat. The Africa CDC is calling on all countries to enhance their efforts in containing and eliminating the outbreak.
