The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has successfully secured over 10 million doses of Mpox vaccines for the continent, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the rapidly spreading zoonotic disease.
This development follows Africa CDC’s declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action across Africa.
During a webinar with journalists, director-general of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya provided updates on the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other member states. He outlined the continent’s ambitious plan to secure a total of 23 million vaccine doses in 2024 alone. “We have a clear plan to secure more than 10 million doses in Africa, starting with 23 million doses in 2024,” Kaseya stated confidently. “These doses will be available for African countries.”
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, similar to smallpox but generally less severe. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) renamed monkeypox to “Mpox” to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.
Dr. Kaseya highlighted the evolving epidemiology of Mpox, which has now crossed borders and affected thousands across Africa, necessitating a long-term vaccination strategy. “We don’t have a full understanding of what’s happening with Mpox. This is one of the concerns that we have. It means we need a long-term plan in terms of vaccination,” he explained.
To ensure the vaccines reach every country, community, and individual in need, Africa CDC is working tirelessly with partners and manufacturers. Dr. Kaseya assured those vaccines, along with diagnostics and enhanced surveillance, would play a crucial role in preventing the import and export of the disease across borders. “There is no reason to close borders. There is no reason to stop trading,” he emphasised. “By declaring this public health emergency of continental security, we are ensuring that we have the tools—vaccines, diagnostics and reinforced surveillance—to protect our people.”
In addition to vaccine distribution, the Africa CDC is focusing on community engagement and risk communication to educate the public on necessary precautions. The organisation plans to hold weekly press conferences to provide ongoing updates and details on the vaccination campaign and other measures being implemented. “This declaration mobilises the continent’s institutions and resources to act decisively,” Kaseya stated.
The declaration is described as a “clarion call to action,” aiming to enhance the global response, mitigate the impact of the health threat, and protect public health while ensuring minimal disruptions to travel and trade. Despite the emergency declaration, Africa CDC has assured that there would be no advisories for the interruption of the movement of people and goods, emphasising that such activities would continue as before while the necessary tools to fight the outbreak are put in place.
Kaseya also praised recent ceasefire agreements in conflict areas such as the eastern DRC, which are expected to aid containment efforts in heavily impacted regions. He stressed the importance of unity and resilience among African nations and communities, stating, “Mpox may have taken us by surprise, but it will not defeat us. Together, we will rise above this challenge. Together, we will protect our people, our future and our continent.”
Looking ahead, Africa CDC is set to finalise a joint response plan within the next two weeks. This plan, developed in collaboration with national health authorities and international partners, will ensure a coordinated and effective approach to combating Mpox across the continent. Kaseya’s leadership and the collective efforts of Africa CDC and its partners are poised to strengthen Africa’s response to this public health emergency and protect the health and well-being of millions across the continent.
