THE Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Tuesday officially declared the monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak a public health emergency of continental security.
Africa CDC director-general Jean Kaseya made the declaration during a special media briefing in Ethiopia.
“Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilise our institutions, our collective will and our resources to act — swiftly and decisively,” he said.
“This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most. There is no need for travel restrictions at this time.”
Thirteen African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, have reported Mpox outbreaks.
“So far in 2024, these countries have confirmed 2 863 cases and 517 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17 000, a significant increase from 7 146 cases in 2022 and 14 957 cases in 2023,” Kaseya said.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg when we consider the many weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing and contact tracing.”
The World Health Organisation declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern from May 2022 to July 2023, but Africa did not receive the support it urgently needed during the period.
“We urge our international partners to seize this moment to act differently and collaborate closely with Africa CDC to provide the necessary support to our member States,” Kaseya said.
“This is not just another challenge; it’s a crisis that demands our collective action. Article 3, paragraph F of the Africa CDC statutes mandates us to lead and co-ordinate the response when there is a declaration of a public health emergency of international concern.”
Local health advocates have called on the Zimbabwean government to step up awareness campaigns.