Amidst the escalating Mpox outbreak in Africa, the Africa Centre for Disease Control has officially announced a public health emergency for the continent.
The Mpox epidemic has rapidly spread across various African nations, with a significant impact on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A severe outbreak of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which originated in September 2023, has now transcended national borders, marking a crucial turning point in the crisis.
Since the start of this year, over 14,000 cases of Mpox and 511 deaths have been reported in the DRC.
Reports of Mpox outbreaks in the DRC date back several decades, with a consistent rise in the number of cases reported annually. The current year has matched last year’s figures within the first six months, with the virus reaching previously unaffected regions.
During an online media briefing, Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa CDC, made a solemn declaration citing the impact of Mpox on the continent.
Expressing grave concern for the affected populations, Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for proactive and aggressive measures to combat Mpox and prevent further devastation.
“The declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency is a vital call to action, a clear signal that reactive responses are no longer sufficient. We must act decisively to confront and eradicate this threat,” Kaseya stated.