As the world grapples with the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new health crisis is unfolding that demands urgent attention. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has emerged as a significant global health threat, particularly in Africa, where nearly 28,000 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported this year alone. Tragically, these cases have resulted in 738 deaths across 15 African Union member states, according to a report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on September 16.
While Africa managed to avoid the worst impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, largely due to its younger and more dispersed population, the continent is now facing an alarming outbreak of mpox. The rapid spread of this disease is raising concerns among public health officials and requiring immediate action to prevent further escalation.
In August, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), declared that the rising incidence of mpox, particularly within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African nations, represents a “public health emergency of international concern.” This declaration was prompted by the emergence of a new strain of the mpox virus, known as clade 1b, which has rapidly proliferated in the DRC. The transmission of this new strain appears to be occurring primarily within sexual networks, further complicating the public health response.
Tedros highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying. Coupled with outbreaks of other mpox clades in the DRC and other regions, it is evident that a coordinated international response is necessary to halt these outbreaks and save lives.”
The current situation with mpox serves as a stark reminder of the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. The rapid and equitable distribution of vaccines was crucial in managing the pandemic and could play a similar role in controlling the mpox outbreak. Global health authorities emphasize that swift actions are needed to ensure that vaccines and treatment options are made available to the populations most at risk, particularly in the affected African nations.
The importance of international collaboration cannot be overstated in this context. Just as countries came together to address the challenges posed by Covid-19, it is imperative that the global community unites to respond to the mpox outbreak. This includes sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices to effectively combat the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, as the world continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, it must remain vigilant against emerging health threats like mpox. By learning from past experiences and ensuring a robust and equitable response, global health authorities can work together to mitigate the impact of this new health emergency and safeguard the health of communities across Africa and beyond.
