The mpox outbreak on the African continent has become a public health crisis of great concern, as the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warned in a recent report.
At a weekly briefing, CEO Jean Kaseya stressed that the situation continues to worsen, with the number of cases up 177% compared to last year. Deaths attributed to the disease have increased by 38.5% in the same period.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this recent outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. This statement came after the identification of a new variant of the virus, further raising concerns on a continent already grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past few years, the vulnerabilities of African health systems have been exposed, and many countries are not adequately prepared to face another health crisis.
In the past week, 2,912 new cases of mpox have been reported in several African nations, marking an alarming rise in the spread of the disease. The outbreak has even reached Morocco, which has recorded its first case. This development indicates that the disease is spreading across all four regions of the continent.affecting 15 of the 55 member states of the African Union.
Kaseya did not hide his concern about the gravity of the situation, pointing out that in just one week, mpox has claimed the lives of 14 people. This reality is a brutal reminder that, despite advances in the fight against infectious diseases, mpox remains a deadly threat in Africa.
Different strains of mpox
In some countries, such as Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, two different strains of the virus have been detected, further complicating the response to the epidemic. However, weak surveillance and testing systems make it difficult to know the true extent. of the disease in other nations.
Faced with this critical situation, some countries have begun to take proactive measures. Rwanda, for example, has started its vaccination campaign to combat MPOX. On the other hand, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has become the epicentre of the outbreak, plans to start its vaccination programme in early October.
These initiatives are critical, but experts warn that greater collaboration and resources are needed to effectively contain the disease.
The international community must also pay attention to this crisis, providing support and resources to African countries to strengthen their health systems and improve epidemiological surveillance. Without an adequate and coordinated response, mpox could continue to spread, affecting more populations and exacerbating tensions on a continent already facing numerous health challenges.
The fight against mpox in Africa is not only a matter of public health, but also of social justice and equity. It is essential that effective strategies are implemented and that access to healthcare and vaccines is guaranteed for all affected communities.
As the continent navigates this new challenge, collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector will be crucial to mitigate the impact of this disease and safeguard the health of the population.