Progress in Combating Mpox Outbreak in Africa

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) a year ago, African countries have scaled up their response measures, making significant progress in curbing the spread of the virus. Coordinated action between governments, WHO, Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), communities, and partners has strengthened disease surveillance, expanded laboratory testing, rolled out vaccination, and improved treatment and care for people with mpox. While the outbreak remains a serious public health challenge in Africa, with 28 countries affected, over 174,000 suspected cases, and nearly 50,000 confirmed cases reported, response efforts are showing positive results.

Key Takeaways:

• In the last six weeks, the weekly number of confirmed cases declined by 34.5% compared to the preceding six weeks, indicating a reduction in the spread of the virus.
• Over 3 million doses of vaccine have been delivered, with more than 951,000 doses administered and around 900,000 people vaccinated with at least one dose.
• Countries such as Cote d'Ivoire, Angola, Gabon, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe have brought their outbreaks under control or gone over 90 days without new cases.
• Dr. Otim, Patrick Ramadan Programme Area Manager, Emergency Response at WHO Regional Office for Africa, emphasized the importance of sustaining effective response measures, including rapid case detection, targeted vaccination, strong laboratory systems, and active community engagement.
• WHO and Africa CDC have developed a continental Mpox Preparedness and Response Plan and co-led its implementation through a continental Incident Management Support Team in collaboration with partners.
• Challenges persist, including limited access to vaccines, competing emergencies, funding gaps, inadequate access to care, and stigma that keeps people from seeking care.

Statistics:

• 28 African countries have been affected by mpox outbreaks.
• Over 174,000 suspected cases of mpox have been reported.
• Nearly 50,000 confirmed cases of mpox have been reported.
• A 34.5% decline in weekly confirmed cases has been observed over the last six weeks.
• Over 3 million doses of vaccine have been delivered to affected countries.
• More than 951,000 doses of vaccine have been administered.
• Around 900,000 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose.
• Cote d'Ivoire, Angola, Gabon, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe have brought their outbreaks under control or gone over 90 days without new cases.

Sources:

• World Health Organization of Africa. (2024). World Health Organization of Africa issued the following news release. [Category: Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Clinical Trials]