The African Union’s health agency declared a “public health emergency” on Tuesday, its highest level of alert, in response to the growing mpox outbreak, formerly known as monkeypox, issuing a “clear call to action” to curb its spread.
A total of 38,465 cases of this disease have been reported in 16 African countries since January 2022, resulting in 1,456 deaths, with a notable increase of 160% in cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data published last week by the Africa CDC health agency.
“Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands of people across our continent (…) I announce, with a heavy heart but with unwavering commitment to our people, to our African citizens, that we declare mpox a continental public health emergency,” said the President of the Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, during a press conference.
New strain
“This declaration is not just a formality, it is a clear call to action. It is an acknowledgment that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this scourge,” he added. This announcement will notably unlock funds for access to vaccines and for a continental response, occurring just before the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency committee meets to assess whether to declare the highest level of international health alert regarding this disease.
Africa is facing the spread of a new strain of the virus, detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in September 2023 and named “Clade Ib,” which is more deadly and more transmissible than previous strains. Cases have been reported in various areas of the continent (Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, DRC, Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa…).
Transmission through physical contact between humans
According to Africa CDC, the lethality rate of the virus is above 3%, and children under 15 years old are the most affected, making up at least 60% of the cases. Mpox is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans but also transmits through close physical contact with an infected person.
The “Clade Ib” causes rashes all over the body, whereas previous strains were characterized by localized rashes and lesions on the mouth, face, or genitals.
Emerging Trends in the Mpox Epidemic Across Africa
The recent declaration of a public health emergency by the Africa CDC marks a critical turning point in the battle against mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. As reported cases soar to over 38,000 since January 2022, with an alarming 160% increase noted this year, the urgent call to action by the continent’s health leadership indicates a shift towards a more proactive approach in combating the virus.
Heightened Response and Funding Initiatives
The acknowledgement of mpox as a continental emergency is expected to unlock crucial financial resources for vaccination and treatment initiatives. This proactive stance may set a precedent for the way emerging infectious diseases are managed in Africa; emphasizing swift, coordinated responses that include regional collaboration, resource sharing, and enhanced surveillance systems to monitor and combat future outbreaks effectively.
Impact of New Variants
The detection of the new “Clade Ib” strain poses a significant challenge, as it is both more lethal and transmissible than its predecessors. The fact that this variant has been identified in several African countries highlights the need for an urgent understanding of its genetics and transmission patterns. Future health strategies will likely focus on comprehensive genomic surveillance to stay ahead of mutating viruses, enabling localized and targeted public health responses.
Vulnerable Populations and Transmission Dynamics
With children under 15 constituting a staggering 60% of cases, future public health campaigns must prioritize education and prevention efforts tailored to this demographic. Understanding how mpox spreads through close contact will be crucial for controlling outbreaks. This may lead to innovations in community health education that foster behavior changes while addressing the stigma associated with infectious diseases, particularly in vulnerable communities with high infection rates.
International Collaboration and Global Health Security
The imminent meeting of the World Health Organization’s emergency committee highlights the necessity for a global response to mpox. As the virus knows no borders, international collaboration in research, vaccination efforts, and health policy will become increasingly important. Stakeholders may see an integration of mpox response strategies with global health security frameworks, ensuring that lessons learned can be applied to future public health challenges.