Mpox Public Health Emergency Declared by African Union

On August 13, 2024, the African Union, through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), officially declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This declaration marks a significant step in mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts across the continent to combat the rapidly spreading virus.

The Mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, has surged across multiple African nations, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the most severely affected. Since January 2022, over 38,465 cases have been reported across Africa, with 1,456 confirmed deaths. The outbreak has not only affected Central African countries but has also spread to East African nations like Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, raising alarms about the potential for wider regional spread.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that this declaration is a “clarion call for action.” The PHECS status will enable Africa CDC to lead and coordinate responses, including strengthening surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement efforts across the continent.

The declaration follows the escalation of cases in 2024, with the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) highlighting the need for a more aggressive approach. Limited surveillance capabilities and the rising number of fatalities, particularly among individuals with HIV, have added to the crisis. The ECG has urged for the strategic distribution of available vaccines and the development of comprehensive response plans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is also closely monitoring the situation and has scheduled an emergency committee meeting to decide whether to declare Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) once again.

The African Union’s declaration underscores the need for global cooperation and support, with Dr. Kaseya calling on international partners to provide the necessary resources and expertise to combat the outbreak effectively.