The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a robust plan to combat the escalating Mpox outbreak on the continent. At the heart of this strategy is the procurement and distribution of 23 million vaccine doses in 2024.
The announcement, made by Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya during a webinar on Tuesday, underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health. “We have a clear plan to secure more than 23 million doses in Africa, starting with 10 million doses in 2024,” Dr. Kaseya declared.
A Comprehensive Approach to Mpox
Beyond vaccination, Dr. Kaseya emphasized the importance of a multifaceted approach to containing the Mpox outbreak. This includes strengthening surveillance systems to detect new cases early, improving diagnostic capabilities, and preventing the cross-border spread of the disease.
“Africa CDC is working tirelessly with partners and manufacturers to ensure that the vaccines reach every country, community, and individual in need,” Dr. Kaseya said. He stressed the need for a long-term perspective, given the evolving nature of the Mpox virus.
Mpox: A Growing Threat
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the recent declaration of a public health emergency of continental concern by the Africa CDC. A mutated Mpox strain has wreaked havoc across at least six African countries, infecting approximately 15,000 people and claiming over 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone this year.
CEM recently reported that the Africa CDC has declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental concern after a comprehensive assessment of the escalating outbreak, which has seen cases surge across the continent.
The decision to elevate mpox to an emergency level was reached following a meticulous analysis of epidemiological data. Experts at the Africa CDC have expressed deep concern over the potential underestimation of the disease’s prevalence due to a lack of robust diagnostic systems. This, coupled with the heightened risk of severe illness among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, has prompted urgent action
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the severity of the crisis, allocating $1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support Mpox response efforts in Africa. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus has called for additional funding, emphasizing the need for a robust regional response plan.
If You Ask Me
While the 23 million vaccine doses represent a significant step forward, challenges remain. Ensuring equitable distribution of the vaccines across the continent, particularly in remote and underserved areas, will be crucial. Additionally, addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation will be essential for maximizing the impact of the vaccination campaign.
Despite these hurdles, the Africa CDC’s comprehensive strategy offers hope. By combining vaccination with strengthened surveillance, improved diagnostics, and public health measures, the agency aims to turn the tide against Mpox.
As the situation evolves, the Africa CDC has pledged to provide regular updates through weekly press conferences. This transparency is essential for building public trust and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
The battle against Mpox is far from over, but the Africa CDC’s decisive actions signal a strong commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the African population.
