The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond “is very worrying.”
“A coordinated international response is essential to stop this outbreak and save lives,” he said.
During an online media briefing on Tuesday, 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 a public health emergency of continental security,” Jean Kaseya 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.
WHO declares Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
