Africa Faces Unacceptable Toll as Mpox Outbreaks Escalate

African countries reported over 100 mpox-related deaths in the past week, with a rising number of new cases. The Africa CDC and WHO have launched a continental response plan, seeking more resources and cross-border surveillance to control the outbreak. Vaccination drives are underway, but challenges remain.

African countries reported more than 100 mpox-related deaths in the last week, a rise described as "not acceptable" by the continental health body, Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, the agency's director-general, said 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases were recorded last week. This comes shortly after Africa CDC and the UN World Health Organisation launched a continental response plan to tackle the crisis. Kaseya stressed the urgency of stronger cross-border surveillance.

Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, usually causes milder symptoms but can result in severe health issues. Men have the highest positivity rate at 63%, and there is a significant rate of positivity among children under 15. The continent needs increased testing and resources, Kaseya noted, as current testing levels are insufficient for effective decision-making.

In the previous month, WHO declared mpox outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency. The six-month response plan requires nearly $600 million, with contributions already made by some African Union member states. Although 250,000 vaccine doses have arrived in Congo, significantly more are needed to curb the outbreak.

EU countries have pledged over 500,000 doses, though delivery timelines are still unclear. The recommended vaccination involves two doses, and Kaseya emphasized the need for complete vaccination to ensure efficacy. He plans to get vaccinated in Congo to demonstrate the vaccine's safety to the public.

(With inputs from agencies.)