By John Joseph
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has identified cross-border movement and poor response capacity as key drivers of the spread of mpox on the continent.
In a statement, the agency noted that the mpox outbreak, which was first reported in May 2022, has spread to several African countries, with Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana among the hardest hit.
“The mpox outbreak is a significant public health concern for Africa, and we need to take urgent action to prevent further spread,” said Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC. “Our analysis shows that cross-border movement and poor response capacity are major drivers of the spread of the disease.”
The agency also noted that many African countries are highly vulnerable to mpox infection due to widespread malnutrition and the prevalence of HIV. “These underlying health conditions can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to mpox infection,” said Dr. Nkengasong.
Africa CDC is working with countries to strengthen their response capacity, including enhancing surveillance, contact tracing, and case management. The agency is also providing technical support to countries to improve their laboratory capacity to detect and confirm mpox cases.
In addition, Africa CDC is advocating for increased funding to support mpox response efforts on the continent. “We need more resources to support countries in their response efforts,” said Dr. Nkengasong. “We cannot afford to wait; we must act now to prevent further spread of the disease.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed concern about the spread of mpox in Africa, and has called for increased vigilance and response efforts.
Mpox is a viral disease that is similar to smallpox, but is generally less severe. It is spread through contact with an infected person’s skin, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, headache, and a rash that can be painful.While mpox is not typically life-threatening, it can cause significant illness and discomfort. Africa CDC and WHO are urging countries to take prompt action to prevent further spread of the disease.