Report by Awot Haileselassie (ANC) “Africa CDC Leads Continental Defense Against Mpox Crisis with Landmark Declaration and Strategic Partnerships.” In an urgent and unprecedented move, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), marking the agency’s first such declaration since its inception in 2017. This bold declaration underscores the gravity of the situation, mobilizing resources, strengthening surveillance, and galvanizing international support to combat the rapidly spreading virus.
Mpox, a viral illness largely ignored globally, is now wreaking havoc across Africa. In just the first half of 2024, Mpox has claimed 517 lives out of 2,863 confirmed cases in 12 African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the most brutal hit. The outbreak has expanded to nations previously untouched by the virus, such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with suspected cases surging past 17,000. This marks a drastic increase from the 14,957 cases reported in 2023 and 7,146 in 2022, highlighting the virus’s growing threat.
During a press briefing, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the dire need for immediate and decisive action: “Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act—swiftly and decisively. This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where needed most.”
The declaration, made under Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statutes, enables Africa CDC to lead and coordinate responses to this significant health emergency. It empowers the agency to unlock essential funding, boost surveillance, enhance laboratory testing, and scale up human resource capacities across the affected countries. “This is not just another challenge; it’s a crisis that demands our collective action,” Dr. Kaseya stressed, calling for solidarity within Africa and the global community.
Africa CDC’s declaration also serves as a stark reminder of the global community’s failure to support Africa during previous health crises. From May 2022 to July 2023, when Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa was largely left to fend for itself. As global cases declined, Africa’s escalating numbers were ignored, leading to the current crisis.
Dr. Kaseya made a powerful appeal to the international community: “We urge our international partners to seize this moment to act differently and collaborate closely with Africa CDC to provide the necessary support to our Member States.” He further emphasized that the battle against Mpox demands a global response: “Africa has long been on the frontlines in the fight against infectious diseases, often with limited resources. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis.”
Professor Salim Abdool Karim, head of CAPRISA and chair of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), provided a sobering analysis of the situation. “The number of cases has significantly increased compared to 2022 when WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency. It’s clear that we’re facing a different scenario with far more cases, resulting in a higher burden of illness,” he stated. Prof. Karim also raised concerns about the rising fatalities and the potential link between HIV and Mpox, suggesting that the intersection of these two health crises may be contributing to the increased death toll.
In response to the outbreak, Africa CDC has rapidly set up a 25-member Incident Management Team at the epicenter of the crisis. Additionally, a partnership agreement has been signed with the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to procure and distribute over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN® vaccine—the only FDA and EMA-approved Mpox vaccine. This initiative is critical in ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and prioritizing the most affected and at-risk populations.
Dr. Kaseya’s declaration is not just a call to arms for African nations but a plea for global solidarity. He outlined the path forward, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and proactive response: “This declaration is not merely a formality; it is a clarion call to action. We must be proactive and aggressive to contain and eliminate this threat.”
In the coming weeks, Africa CDC will finalize a joint response plan, integrating country-specific strategies with guidance from the Emergency Consultative Group. This plan will be crucial in addressing the Mpox outbreak comprehensively and effectively.
As Africa confronts the growing Mpox crisis, declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security is pivotal. It is a testament to Africa CDC’s leadership and the continent’s resilience in adversity. Dr. Kaseya’s words resonate as a rallying cry for all Africans: “Mpox may have taken us by surprise, but it will not defeat us. Together, we will rise above this challenge. Together, we will protect our people, future, and continent.”
The battle against Mpox has begun, and with Africa CDC at the helm, the continent is poised to confront this threat with strength, unity, and unwavering determination.
