By Dorothy Musyoka
In a decisive move to address growing health crisis posed by Mpox, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
The declaration comes in response to alarming statistics of 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths have been reported across 13 African countries in 2024 alone.
“Today, we declare Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. With 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries in 2024 alone, Mpox is a crisis demanding our collective action,” stated Africa CDC on X.
The rapid spread of Mpox has prompted swift action from the Africa CDC in collaboration with continental and global partners, Africa CDC is mobilizing critical resources and leading coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
“Africa CDC is activating resources, partnerships, and leading coordinated and strategic responses to protect our continent. We call on global partners to join us in this fight,” Africa CDC noted added.
The Africa CDC is at the forefront of this response, deploying resources to the affected areas, strengthening surveillance systems, and ensuring the availability of medical supplies and treatment.
In a press release Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgency of swift and decisive action.
“Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act—swiftly and decisively. This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most. There is no need for travel restrictions at this time,” said Dr.Kaseya.
Kenya is among the 13 African countries that experienced Mpox outbreak on 31st July where there were no more reported cases.
Read more: http://kutv.co.ke/ministry-of-health-declares-mpox-outbreak-in-kenya/
Africa CDC indicate that at least 13 African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported Mpox outbreaks.
“So far in 2024, these countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17,000, a significant increase from 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023” read the release.
To address the Mpox outbreak in Africa, Africa CDC has set up a 25-member Incident Management Team based at the epicenter of the Mpox epidemic with mandate to support affected and at-risk countries.