Africa Strengthens Outbreak Response Systems Following Mpox Emergency Review Meeting
Oluwatobi Adu 
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – African health authorities are strengthening outbreak response systems following a review led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) after the mpox emergency.
Officials from 30 countries and partners including the World Health Organization and UNICEF meet to assess the Incident Management Support Team (IMST).
The review highlights improved coordination, surveillance and vaccination strategies across the continent.
“The IMST has demonstrated the value of a unified operational framework,” says Yap Boum II.
Since its launch in 2024, the system mobilises over $1.1 billion, deploys five million vaccine doses and reaches 50 million people with risk communication campaigns.
Despite progress, officials warn that outbreaks such as cholera persist in multiple countries.
WHO official John Otshudiema says new frameworks will guide faster and coordinated responses.
“These tools provide a strong foundation for rapid activation and effective emergency management,” he states.
Stakeholders agree on a revised operational framework to strengthen preparedness and cross-border collaboration.
Experts say sustained coordination will be critical to addressing future public health threats across Africa.
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Mirian Gom 
Oluwafunbi Bello 