The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant surge in mpox cases in Africa, with nearly 30,000 suspected cases and over 800 deaths recorded across the continent from January to September 15, 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounts for the majority of these cases, where tests have unfortunately run out. Mpox, typically a mild disease, can be fatal in rare instances and spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.
The outbreak has also affected neighbouring countries, including Burundi, which has reported 545 alerts of mpox cases since July 2024, with 142 confirmed cases. Other countries in the region, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have also reported confirmed cases.
The WHO has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), citing the potential for further spread across Africa and beyond.
The African Union’s public health agency reported a 78.5% increase in new cases from 2022, with 14,957 cases and 739 deaths recorded in seven affected states in 2023. To combat the outbreak, the World Bank’s pandemic fund has pledged $128.89 million to support ten African countries.
The WHO recommends vaccination for individuals at high risk of exposure and has published guidelines for infection prevention and control.
In response to the growing outbreak, the WHO has scaled up its efforts, including coordinating with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to develop a joint mpox taskforce.
The organization has also produced interactive programs, conducted public sensitization, and engaged in home visits and advocacy with local authorities to raise awareness and manage the outbreak.
