By John Ikani
Africa is on the brink of declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security in response to the escalating Mpox outbreak.
This was announced by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) during a webinar on Thursday.
Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, has been spreading rapidly across several African countries.
Characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, the disease is transmitted through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated continental response to contain the outbreak. “Mpox is the reality, and Africans are dying,” he said. “We are taking decisive actions to protect our people.”
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security aims to mobilize resources, streamline cross-border responses, and strengthen Africa’s health systems to combat the disease.
The Africa CDC Director-General also stressed the importance of involving young people in the fight against Mpox. “This call for youths’ involvement is vital to harnessing their energy and innovation in combating the spread of the virus,” he said.
Since January 2022, Africa has recorded over 38,000 Mpox cases and over 1,400 deaths. The disease has spread to 16 countries across the continent, with children under 15 being the most vulnerable group.
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security is expected to facilitate a more coordinated and effective response to the outbreak, with the global community closely monitoring the situation.
Africa CDC has been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to the Mpox outbreak, working closely with member states to contain the spread of the disease.
