Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has declared mpox a public health emergency of continental significance, citing a surge in cases and deaths across the continent.
Gatekeepers News reports that the declaration comes after over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the beginning of the year, with the virus also spreading to other African countries.
Mpox, which causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, has been identified in a new variant known as Clade Ib, which appears to spread more easily through close contact, particularly among children.
The Africa CDC’s director-general, Jean Kaseya, made the declaration during an online briefing, emphasizing the need for enhanced cross-border responses and resource mobilisation to combat the outbreak.
“With a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, we declare mpox as public health emergency of continental security,” Kaseya said.
“Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent.”
The declaration is expected to accelerate vaccine research and development, as well as facilitate the sharing of information and resources among member countries.
The Africa CDC had previously indicated that declaring mpox a public health emergency would enable a more coordinated and effective response to the outbreak.
