The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency. This decision comes as the number of reported cases continues to rise, with more than 14,000 cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) alone in 2024, surpassing the total count from the previous year.
The mpox virus, which is related to the virus that causes smallpox, has been spreading rapidly in the DRC and has now spilled over into neighboring countries. This surge in cases prompted the WHO to convene an emergency committee to assess the situation and provide recommendations on how to address the growing crisis.
Dr. Dimie Ogoina, a physician-scientist and the chair of the emergency committee, emphasized the severity of the outbreak during a virtual news conference. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of the event, noting that the DRC is experiencing the highest number of mpox cases ever reported in the country. The committee unanimously agreed that the current situation warranted immediate action to prevent further spread of the virus.
Children in the DRC have been particularly affected by the outbreak, with reports indicating that they are among the most impacted demographic group. However, the full extent of the emergency in the DRC and other African countries remains unclear, as there are significant gaps in diagnostic testing and surveillance efforts.
One of the key factors influencing the committee’s decision was the emergence of a new branch of the mpox virus family tree, known as clade 1b. This new variant was first identified in the DRC in 2023 and has since spread to neighboring countries where mpox had not previously been reported, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that multiple clades of the virus are circulating in different countries with varying modes of transmission and levels of risk. Clade 1 viruses, in particular, pose a higher risk of severe disease and death compared to clade 2 viruses, which were responsible for the global outbreak in 2022.
The spread of mpox is driven by close physical contact, particularly in household settings, as well as through sexual networks and contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. In some countries, such as the DRC and Burundi, community transmission has been reported, while in others, cases appear to be isolated events.
To combat the outbreak, the WHO is working to increase the availability of mpox vaccines in Africa by securing deals with manufacturers and receiving donations from countries with existing stockpiles. Vaccination is one of the key interventions that can help prevent the spread of the virus, along with improved surveillance, diagnosis, and public health responses.
In addition to vaccination efforts, there is a need for further research to better understand the transmission dynamics of the virus in different settings and populations. Closing gaps in testing and improving communication about the risks of mpox are also crucial in controlling the outbreak and preventing its spread to other regions.
The global response to the mpox outbreak in Africa requires a coordinated effort from all parties involved, both within the continent and internationally. By working together to enhance surveillance, diagnosis, and public health responses, we can effectively address the challenges posed by the virus and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating effects of mpox. By taking decisive action now, we can mitigate the impact of the virus and prevent its spread to additional countries and regions.
Conclusion
The declaration of the mpox outbreak in Africa as a global health emergency by the WHO underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the crisis. With cases continuing to rise and new variants of the virus emerging, it is crucial that we take decisive action to prevent further spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations.
By prioritizing vaccination efforts, improving surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, and enhancing communication about the risks of mpox, we can effectively combat the outbreak and prevent its escalation. Through collaborative efforts at both the local and international levels, we can work together to contain the virus and safeguard public health in Africa and beyond.