The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a critical announcement, declaring the ongoing mpox outbreak a public health emergency. With cases surging across the continent, the Africa CDC emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the impact of this contagious disease.
During an online media briefing, Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, solemnly declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security.
“I declare with a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, we declare mpox as public health emergency of continental security,” Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, said.
“Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent,” he said.
According to the latest data released by the CDC, Africa has witnessed 38,465 cases of mpox since January 2022, resulting in 1,456 fatalities.
Mpox is a highly contagious disease that spreads through close contact. Its symptoms typically include rashes, flu-like manifestations, and pus-filled lesions. While the majority of cases are mild, there is a significant risk of mortality. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the severe effects of the disease, necessitating heightened precautions.
The mpox outbreak has significantly impacted multiple African nations, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the epicenter, as it was where the virus was initially identified in humans in 1970. The swift transmission and its subsequent border crossings highlight the urgency of implementing robust containment measures.
Considering the gravity of the situation, health authorities in Rwanda are urging the public to remain calm, highlighting that preventive strategies are being enforced rigorously to curtail the spread of mpox.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has assured citizens that comprehensive measures are in place to shield them from the outbreak’s adverse effects. These efforts reflect the country’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of its population.
Africa CDC Declares Mpox a Public Health Emergency
