The African continent faces a growing health crisis as the outbreak of Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, escalates. On August 13, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared a “public health emergency,” the highest alert level within the organization, in response to the surge in cases.
Jean Kaseya, the Director General of Africa CDC, disclosed the troubling statistics to Jeune Afrique. He reported that in 2024 alone, there have been 17,541 confirmed cases of Mpox across 13 African countries, resulting in 517 deaths. This marks a staggering 160% increase compared to the previous year. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the hardest hit, accounting for 96% of all cases and 97% of the deaths on the continent.
The declaration of a public health emergency is a strategic move aimed at rapidly mobilizing financial and logistical resources to contain the outbreak. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the urgency of a coordinated continental response, highlighting that this measure will facilitate better regional coordination, increase public awareness, and ensure a swift and effective response to prevent further spread of the disease. “There is a real risk that the epidemic could spiral out of control if appropriate measures are not taken,” he warned.
To curb the spread of Monkeypox, Africa CDC plans to intensify efforts to make vaccines available and accessible across the continent.
Mpox is a viral infection that can spread from animals to humans, primarily through close contact with infected animals or their fluids, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic, such as West and Central Africa. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with lesions or respiratory secretions. The situation requires vigilance and preventive measures to avoid a pandemic like that of COVID-19.
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