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Africa CDC to Declare Mpox Public Health Emergency

Agency Estimates 10 Million Vaccine Doses Needed

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is set to declare a public health emergency of continental security for mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, as early as next week. This would be the first time the agency has taken such a step for any disease.

Statement from Africa CDC

“We are taking appropriate action,” said Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC. “The Africa CDC estimates that the continent needs 10 million doses of mpox vaccine to combat the current outbreak.” The agency has already been working with partners to secure vaccines and other resources, but the declaration of a public health emergency will help accelerate these efforts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed concern about the situation and has called for increased international collaboration to fight the outbreak. In a statement released Thursday, the WHO said that the designation of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) “would be a clear call for the world to take urgent and coordinated action” to control the spread of mpox.

The declaration of a public health emergency by Africa CDC is a significant development that signals the continent's commitment to combating the spread of mpox and protecting its population from the disease.