Africa is facing a worrying rise in Mpox cases, which has overwhelmed health systems across the continent. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 19 African Union member states are now dealing with the outbreak. Cases have reached levels not seen in recent history, testing the capacity of health infrastructure that was already under pressure.
The Epicenter of a Growing Threat
Suspected Mpox cases have risen sharply since January, with 53,903 recorded and 11,147 confirmed. This surge has resulted in 1,109 deaths, giving the outbreak a case fatality rate of 9.9%. The increase is significant compared to 2023, when confirmed cases were far lower. Children under 15 account for more than a third of these infections.
The virus is spreading through cross-border transmission and clusters among high-risk groups, including sex workers. Over the last six weeks, the continent has seen an average of 523 new cases each week. Some regions are experiencing exponential growth; for example, Uganda reported a 1,214% spike in cases in the most recent week. Health officials expect the numbers to continue climbing before stabilizing early next year.
Struggling to Vaccinate and Test
Logistical challenges are slowing the continent’s response to the outbreak. While some countries like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have met or exceeded vaccination targets, others face significant delays. Nigeria, for instance, has pushed back a nationwide vaccination drive originally scheduled for October 29 to November 18.
A key development in the response is the availability of a domestically manufactured Mpox PCR test. Produced in Morocco, this test has received endorsement from Africa CDC and AUDA-NEPAD. This local production helps address supply chain issues that often plague international medical aid. Leaders are pushing for expanded testing to prioritize high-risk individuals, while the Mpox Testing Strategy calls for better diagnostic infrastructure and clear protocols for sample collection.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stated that the outbreak is not under control and requires bold action to contain Mpox.
A Continental Effort
Africa CDC has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to coordinate vaccine distribution and technical support. In October, the two organizations held a vaccination workshop in Brazzaville, Congo, to help nations improve their immunization strategies. The continent has received 5.6 million doses of Mpox vaccine, a mix of MVA-BN and LC16 vaccines.
