Cairo, August 14, 2024, The Europe Today: The African Union’s health authority, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has declared a public health emergency across the continent in response to a growing mpox outbreak. Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, announced the declaration during an online media briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
“With a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, we declare mpox as a public health emergency of continental security,” Kaseya stated. This marks the first time Africa CDC has utilized its continental security power, a measure that is expected to help mobilize necessary funds and resources to combat the outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened its emergency committee to discuss the outbreak and is expected to decide on Wednesday whether mpox represents a public health emergency of international concern.
Growing Mpox Outbreak in Africa
Africa CDC, headquartered in Addis Ababa, has reported over 15,000 cases of mpox and 461 deaths across 18 countries in Africa so far this year. The outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the spread of the endemic Clade I strain. A new variant, Clade Ib, which appears to spread more easily through close contact, particularly among children, has contributed to the spread of the virus to several neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic.
“Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent. Families have been torn apart, and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent,” Kaseya said.
Most cases of mpox are mild, but the virus can be fatal. The declaration of a public health emergency is intended to prompt a coordinated response to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
“This declaration is not merely a formality; it is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” Kaseya urged.
Vaccine Shortage and International Support
Kaseya highlighted the urgent need for vaccines, stating that the African continent requires over 10 million doses, but currently has access to only about 200,000. Africa CDC is working swiftly to increase vaccine supply, with support from international partners.
The United States is closely monitoring the spread of mpox and has provided over $17 million this year to support preparedness efforts in Central and Eastern Africa. US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel noted that this assistance is part of broader efforts to combat infectious diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola.
In addition, Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic has pledged to donate 40,000 doses of its mpox vaccine to Africa CDC. The European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority will procure 175,420 doses of the vaccine for donation to the African health body, with Bavarian Nordic committing to an additional 40,000 doses separately.
The declaration of a public health emergency by Africa CDC underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to address the mpox outbreak and protect the health and well-being of millions across the continent.
