The African continent is on the brink of declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as the Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) outbreak continues to spread across multiple countries, threatening lives and straining public health systems.
Director-general of the Africa Centres for Diseases Control & Prevention (CDC), Dr. Jean Kaseya announced the impending declaration during a webinar with journalists on Thursday. The session provided updates on the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other member states.
Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, is caused by the Monkeypox virus. It presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease spreads from animals to humans and can also be transmitted between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) renamed the disease from “Monkeypox” to “Mpox” to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.
Kaseya highlighted the urgency of a coordinated response to control the outbreak. “Mpox is a reality, and Africans are dying,” he said. “We are taking decisive action to protect our people. It is highly likely that we will declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security next week.”
This anticipated declaration aims to mobilize resources, streamline cross-border responses, and strengthen the continent’s health systems to manage the outbreak effectively.
Kaseya also emphasised the importance of involving Africa’s youth in combating the virus. “Please help us reach out to the youth and allow them to take the lead. From our side, we know what needs to be done,” he stated. “Youth involvement is vital to harness their energy and innovation in fighting the spread of Mpox.”
The expected PHECS declaration will be based on guidance from health experts and political leaders across Africa, ensuring a unified and effective approach to the outbreak. “This will help us mount an appropriate response to stop the outbreak and reinforce Africa’s health system,” Kaseya said, stressing the importance of strong leadership and coordinated efforts.
The Africa CDC has been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to the Mpox outbreak, which has caused significant concern due to its rapid spread and rising fatalities. Public health officials have warned that without urgent action, the situation could worsen, putting more lives at risk.
As the continent braces for the official declaration of the PHECS, there is a growing sense of urgency to contain the outbreak. The declaration is expected to facilitate the rapid deployment of medical supplies, enhance the sharing of critical information, and improve the overall resilience of public health systems across Africa. The global community is closely monitoring these developments, recognising that Africa’s response to the Mpox outbreak will have far-reaching implications for public health security worldwide.
Mpox cases have surged across Africa, affecting all five regions and 16 countries, presenting a significant public health challenge. Since January 2022, Africa has recorded 38,465 Mpox cases and 1,456 deaths, with a staggering 160 per cent increase in cases in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The disease has spread through cross-border transmission, sexual contact, and co-morbidities, particularly in regions with vulnerable populations such as those with malnutrition or HIV. The outbreak has reached new countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Uganda, marking their first-ever reported cases.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Health declared its first Mpox outbreak, involving a 46-year-old agricultural worker and a 20-year-old student, both from Abidjan. The mode of exposure remains unclear and the circulating clade is yet to be identified. In Kenya, a 42-year-old long-distance truck driver was identified as the first Mpox case at the Taita Taveta point of entry on the Kenya-Tanzania border. Uganda reported two female cases in the Kasese district, both imported from the DRC.
The outbreak poses a high risk due to its 3.2 per cent case fatality rate, with children under 15 being the most affected demographic. The ongoing cross-border movements and potential mutations of the virus are exacerbating the situation, as many countries struggle with inadequate resources, such as vaccines and treatment kits.
In response to the escalating crisis, Africa CDC has developed a comprehensive continental strategy, backed by an emergency $10.4 million in funding approved by the African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee. The strategy focuses on enhancing Mpox surveillance, boosting laboratory and genomic sequencing capacities, strengthening data collection, and improving access to vaccines and diagnostics. The response also includes deploying rapid response teams to affected areas and conducting readiness assessments in seven member states.
On July 17, the African Union’s Executive Council approved a statute allowing the Africa CDC to make independent public health decisions. This move follows WHO’s July 23, 2022, declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), despite Africa dealing with the disease since the ‘70s.
The process for declaring a PHECS will involve consultations with experts and consider the continent’s infrastructure and tools, not just case numbers or deaths. Since 2017, Africa CDC has advocated for a new public health order to improve Africa’s pandemic response. This approach was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when African countries collaborated under Africa CDC’s leadership to enhance health security.
As Africa CDC prepares to declare a PHECS, the continent stands at a critical juncture in its fight against Mpox. The actions taken in the coming weeks will determine the trajectory of the outbreak and the future of public health in Africa.
