Africa's Growing Mpox Crisis: Urgent Call for Vaccines

Congo has reported over 1,000 new mpox cases in a week, prompting African health officials to urgently request vaccines. With the World Health Organization declaring a global emergency, attention is on the virus's spread in Congo and neighboring countries. Vaccine donations are trickling in, but more are needed.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 1,000 new cases of mpox in the past week, fueling urgent calls from African health authorities for more vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated these outbreaks a global emergency, highlighting the escalating threat on the continent.

Mpox, related to smallpox but causing milder symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse. Severe cases can result in lesions on various parts of the body. While mpox outbreaks have been reported in 12 African countries, Congo holds the majority of cases with a staggering 94% of this year's total reported cases.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), disclosed that Congo confirmed 1,030 out of 1,405 new cases reported in Africa over the past week. Despite vaccine pledges from the European Union, the USA, and Japan, Congo's health minister estimates a need for at least 3 million doses to control the outbreak. Calls for international solidarity to support Africa in combating mpox are intensifying, reminiscent of the inequitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)