admin The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned about the rapidly growing mpox outbreak across Africa. In a recent meeting, the head of the organization, Dr. Jean Kaseya, said that countries need to work together globally to stop the spread of this dangerous virus.
The mpox crisis in Africa has reached alarming levels, with the continent recording over 77,000 cases and more than 1,300 deaths in the past year. The situation is particularly bad in the Central African region, which accounts for 85% of all reported cases and nearly all deaths. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the center of the outbreak.
“This is a major public health emergency,” Dr. Kaseya said. “We are seeing a sharp increase in cases compared to 2023, and this remains a significant threat to public health in Africa.”
The new and more dangerous Clade 1b variant of the mpox virus has made the situation worse. Dr. Kaseya noted that this strain has made children especially vulnerable, showing the critical need for wider access to vaccines.
Efforts to Control the Outbreak
In response to the growing crisis, Africa CDC has been working to fight the mpox outbreak. The organization has been expanding its labs, sending rapid-response teams, and increasing vaccination campaigns in the hardest-hit areas.
“From now until March, we are focusing on making public health systems stronger to manage this outbreak effectively,” Dr. Kaseya said.
One challenge has been the limited supply of vaccines. The DRC, for example, has received 365,000 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine, but has only been able to give 55,000 doses as of early January. However, the country has recently sped up its efforts, with over 120,000 doses given in recent weeks.
To further support the continent’s response, Africa CDC has secured the Japanese-developed LC16 vaccine, which will be rolled out starting in February. Unlike the MVA vaccine, the LC16 can be given to children, but its intradermal application requires extra training for healthcare workers.
The Need for Global Cooperation
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing the mpox outbreak. The virus has already spread beyond Africa’s borders, with China confirming a Clade 1b case on January 9th. This makes China the ninth country outside the continent to report the more deadly clade, following cases in Belgium and other regions.
“This is an opportunity for global collaboration,” Dr. Kaseya said. “The mpox outbreak is no longer confined to Africa, and it requires a coordinated international response to stop its spread.”
Africa CDC is calling on the international community to increase its support and work closely with the organization to combat the crisis. This includes sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, as well as ensuring fair access to vaccines and other critical medical interventions.
Lessons from Rwanda’s Marburg Response
While Africa grapples with the mpox outbreak, the continent’s response to another deadly virus, the Marburg virus, has been seen as a model for effective epidemic management.
In 2024, Rwanda quickly responded to a Marburg virus outbreak, deploying specialized teams for case detection, contact tracing, and patient care. According to Dr. Sabin Muvunyi, the head of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, this approach has reduced the case fatality rate to 23%, much lower than historical averages.
“Rwanda’s experience shows the importance of early detection, regional cooperation, and sustained investment in health systems,” Dr. Muvunyi said.
The success of Rwanda’s Marburg response offers hope for Africa’s ability to effectively manage the mpox outbreak. Dr. Kaseya stressed the need for other African countries to learn from Rwanda’s example and strengthen their public health systems to better prepare for and respond to emerging infectious disease threats.
Monitoring the Situation in Tanzania
Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are also closely watching a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania. The country has reported nine suspected cases, with eight samples testing negative so far.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of timely investigations and promised the organization’s support to Tanzania in its efforts to contain the outbreak.
“We stand ready to support Tanzania in its efforts to contain the outbreak,” Dr. Moeti said.
The Broader Implications
The mpox outbreak in Africa is not just a public health crisis, but also has significant economic and social impacts. The disruption caused by the virus can have far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to trade, travel, and economic activities, as well as the potential for social unrest and political instability.
Moreover, the disproportionate impact of the outbreak on vulnerable populations, such as children and marginalized communities, raises concerns about the worsening of existing inequalities and the potential for long-term developmental setbacks.
Dr. Kaseya stressed the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing the mpox crisis, one that goes beyond just containing the immediate public health emergency.
“We must address the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the spread of these infectious diseases,” he said. “This requires a holistic, collaborative effort that involves not just the health sector, but also policymakers, community leaders, and civil society organizations.”
Role of the International Community
The Africa CDC’s call for enhanced global collaboration is a crucial step in addressing the mpox outbreak. The international community must heed this call and provide the necessary support and resources to help Africa combat this public health emergency.
This includes:
- Increasing the supply and fair distribution of vaccines and other medical countermeasures: The limited availability of vaccines has been a major obstacle in Africa’s response to the mpox outbreak. The international community must work to ensure that African countries have access to the necessary vaccines and other medical interventions.
- Sharing of data, expertise, and best practices: The exchange of information, scientific knowledge, and successful strategies among countries and global health organizations is essential for developing a coordinated and effective response to the mpox crisis.
- Strengthening regional and global surveillance and early warning systems: Improved disease monitoring and early detection capabilities are crucial for rapidly identifying and containing outbreaks before they spiral out of control.
- Investing in the resilience of African health systems: The mpox outbreak has exposed the weaknesses of many African health systems. Sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and public health capabilities is necessary to build long-term resilience.
- Addressing the social determinants of health: The mpox outbreak, like many other infectious diseases, disproportionately affects marginalized and underserved communities. Addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to health disparities is essential for achieving lasting solutions.
Time is of the Essence
The Africa CDC’s warning about the mpox outbreak is a call for urgent action. The virus has already shown its ability to spread rapidly and cause devastating consequences, particularly in vulnerable populations.
By working together with the international community, Africa can harness the resources, expertise, and collective will necessary to confront this public health crisis head-on. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of Africans, but also has the potential to undermine global health security and stability.
The time to act is now. The world must heed the Africa CDC’s call and stand in solidarity with the continent as it battles this formidable threat. Only through a coordinated, global effort can we hope to contain the mpox outbreak and protect the lives and livelihoods of all those affected.
