African Centers for Disease Control Declares Monkeypox Emergency
On Tuesday, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared a public health emergency due to the alarming spread of monkeypox, also known as mpox, across the continent. This unprecedented declaration comes as Africa has reported over 15,000 suspected cases and 461 deaths this year alone, marking a staggering 160% increase compared to the same period last year. The Africa CDC warns that these numbers may only represent the "tip of the iceberg," with many more cases likely unreported.
WHO to Discuss Global Health Threat
As the situation escalates, a committee from the World Health Organization (WHO) is convening to assess whether monkeypox constitutes a global health threat. The WHO previously declared mpox an international emergency in 2022, following an outbreak that affected 75 countries. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This declaration is not a mere formality; it is a call to action. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat."
Challenges in Vaccine Distribution
Despite receiving emergency funding of $10.4 million from the African Union, the distribution of vaccines remains a pressing concern. Africa CDC has a plan to secure 3 million vaccine doses this year, but sources indicate that only 65,000 doses may be available in the short term. Campaigns to immunize affected populations may not commence until October at the earliest. The rising number of cases, particularly among children, underscores the urgent need for effective vaccination strategies to combat this deadly virus.
- The monkeypox virus, while often mild, can lead to severe symptoms and even death if not properly managed. The outbreak has especially impacted children, with 70% of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo occurring in those under 15 years old. The current strain of the virus has spread beyond its historical epicenter in the DRC to neighboring countries, raising alarms as international travelers flock to East Africa. The WHO's upcoming discussions will be crucial in determining the global response to this health crisis.
