The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), under the African Union, has reported a significant rise in Mpox cases, with a total of 21,466 cases and 591 deaths across 13 African countries since the start of 2024. This outbreak has prompted calls for the approval and widespread introduction of Mpox vaccines throughout the continent amid global shortages.
In a letter addressed to the Ministers of Health of African Union Member States, Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the Mpox outbreak. He highlighted the limitations of relying solely on laboratory test results, emphasizing the importance of integrating clinical assessments and epidemiological data.
Dr. Kaseya’s update also noted that while countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have already approved the use of Mpox vaccines, there is an urgent need for other African countries to follow suit. He warned that Africa risks being sidelined in vaccine distribution due to limited demand and monopolized production by Western nations.
The affected countries include Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Nigeria. Dr. Kaseya expressed concern over the potential for increased travel restrictions to Africa if the outbreak is not taken seriously by local leaders and communities.
To combat the outbreak, Africa CDC is advocating for the rapid approval and deployment of Mpox vaccines across the continent, along with strengthened communication strategies to ensure public acceptance and awareness. Dr. Kaseya also highlighted the need for African leaders to unite in securing sufficient vaccine supplies to protect the continent’s population.
