The death toll from mpox in Africa has surpassed 1,000, prompting health officials to call for increased international support to combat the ongoing epidemic. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 50 deaths in the past week, bringing the total to 1,100. This alarming increase shows the great challenges faced by health authorities in managing the outbreak in 18 of the continent’s 55 countries.
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Urgent Call to Action
Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the CDC for Africa, emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that mpox could get out of control without immediate intervention. He urged international friends to fulfill their financial commitments to support Africa’s response efforts, noting that the proposed six-month plan requires around 600 million dollars. This funding is critical to addressing the needs of affected countries and enhancing preparedness to prevent other outbreaks.
Recent Developments
Recent developments include new mpox cases reported in Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as Kenya’s first death linked to the virus. Mpox, formerly known as smallpox, has been circulating in Africa largely unnoticed until a global outbreak in 2022. As of this year, Africa has recorded more than 42,000 suspected cases and more than 8,000 confirmed cases. cases of mpox have been confirmed. Vaccination efforts have begun in Rwanda and Congo to help control the spread of the virus.
Outline of Pain
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency in August 2024, with the Democratic Republic of Congo identified as the epicenter. Despite urgent requests from African governments for vaccine doses, rich countries have provided limited supplies, leaving many countries vulnerable to further outbreaks.
The ongoing situation underscores the need for strong international cooperation and support to effectively manage and control the mpox outbreak across the continent. As health officials continue to monitor and respond to this public health crisis, timely action and resources will be necessary to prevent further loss of life and minimize the impact on affected communities.