The African continent is on the verge of declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) due to the ongoing spread of the Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak across multiple countries.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), announced this during a webinar on Thursday, discussing the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African nations.
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, is similar to smallpox but generally less severe. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies renamed monkeypox to “Mpox” to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response to contain the disease. “Mpox is a reality, and Africans are dying. We are taking decisive actions to protect our people. Next week, we will likely declare the PHECS,” he stated.
The declaration is expected to mobilize resources, streamline cross-border responses, and strengthen the continent’s health systems against the outbreak. Dr. Kaseya also highlighted the importance of engaging Africa’s youth in combating the outbreak, noting that their energy and innovation are crucial.
The PHECS declaration will be based on guidance from health experts and political leaders across Africa to ensure a unified and effective approach. “This call for youth involvement is vital to harnessing their energy and innovation in combating the spread of the virus. This will help us have an appropriate response, stop this outbreak, and reinforce the health system in Africa,” Dr. Kaseya said.
The Africa CDC has been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to the Mpox outbreak, which has caused significant concern due to its rapid spread and rising fatalities. Public health officials have warned that without urgent action, the situation could worsen, putting more lives at risk.
As the continent prepares for the official declaration of the PHECS, there is a growing sense of urgency to contain the outbreak. The declaration is expected to facilitate the rapid deployment of medical supplies, enhance the sharing of critical information, and improve the overall resilience of public health systems across Africa.
The global community is closely monitoring these developments, recognizing that Africa’s response to the Mpox outbreak will have far-reaching implications for public health security both on the continent and worldwide.
Since January 2022, Africa has recorded 38,465 Mpox cases and 1,456 deaths, with a 160% increase in cases in 2024 compared to 2023. The disease has spread through cross-border transmission, sexual contact, and co-morbidities, particularly in regions with vulnerable populations such as those with malnutrition or HIV.
The outbreak has reached new countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Uganda, marking their first-ever reported cases. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry of Health declared its first Mpox outbreak involving a 46-year-old agricultural worker and a 20-year-old student, both from Abidjan. The mode of exposure remains unclear, and the circulating clade is yet to be identified.
In Kenya, a 42-year-old long-distance truck driver was identified as the first Mpox case at the Taita border.