In the past week, more than 100 deaths related to mpox have been reported across African countries, stated the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director-general, expressed concern over the increasing toll, emphasizing the urgency for stronger cross-border surveillance. Mpox, a virus akin to smallpox, manifests with symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches, with severe cases developing lesions on various body parts.
Men showed a 63% positivity rate in mpox testing, while children under 15 had a rate of 41%. Kaseya stressed the necessity for enhanced testing and resources to support it, highlighting the insufficiency in testing across the continent for decision-making and response strategies. The virus can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, necessitating further research to ascertain the frequency of such transmission.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted a rapid rise in mpox cases in African countries, culminating in outbreaks declared as a global emergency in 12 nations. The proposed six-month response plan by Africa CDC and WHO requires nearly $600 million, primarily dedicated to mpox response in 14 affected states and improving preparedness in 15 others. Various African Union member states have contributed to the budget, showcasing continental ownership of the response plan.
Amid the outbreaks, Africa is expecting vaccine deliveries, with 250,000 doses already sent to Congo, central to the health emergency. However, authorities estimate a requirement of 3 million doses to curb the outbreak. European countries pledged over 500,000 doses but lacked a clear timeline for delivery. Despite the high demand, Kaseya emphasized the importance of two-dose vaccination for optimal protection of individuals.
Kaseya announced intentions to travel to Congo for vaccination when the campaign commences in early October to instill confidence in the safety of the vaccine among African and Congolese populations. Since the beginning of the year, Africa CDC has documented 5,731 confirmed mpox cases and 724 related deaths, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
