An outbreak in Africa of mpox, the disease formerly known as monkeypox, resembles the early days of HIV, scientists have said, as the World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency. The declaration must accelerate access to testing, vaccines, and therapeutic drugs in the affected areas, medical experts urged, and kickstart campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding the virus. More resources for research were also vital, they said, with “massive unknowns” about a new variant spreading between people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 4 August, there had been 38,465 cases of mpox and 1,456 deaths in Africa since January 2022, including more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in the DRC alone this year.
The Serious Implications of the mpox Outbreak
The outbreak of mpox in Africa has raised serious concerns among global health experts, drawing parallels to the early days of the HIV epidemic. The World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to contain the spread of the virus. With thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries, the implications of the outbreak are far-reaching and require a coordinated international response.
Trudie Lang, a professor of global health research at Oxford University, highlighted the similarities between the mpox outbreak and the early stages of HIV transmission. She emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding the virus and ensuring access to testing, vaccines, and treatment for those affected. The emergence of a new variant, clade Ib, has added complexity to the outbreak, with children appearing particularly vulnerable to the virus.
The World Health Organization’s decision to declare a public health emergency of international concern reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to prevent further spread of the virus. The allocation of funds from the WHO’s contingency fund and the call for additional support from donors underscore the need for immediate action to address the outbreak.
Challenges and Unknowns in the Fight Against mpox
Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, there are significant challenges and unknowns in the fight against mpox. The transmission dynamics of the virus, particularly through sexual networks, pose a major challenge for public health authorities. Trudie Lang pointed out the high risk faced by vulnerable populations, including young and exploited sex workers, and the need for targeted interventions to prevent further transmission.
The impact of mpox on pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health is another area of concern, with reports of pregnancy losses and infants born with mpox lesions. The lack of data and research on the virus’s transmission patterns outside of hospitals further complicates efforts to control the outbreak. Understanding when the virus is most infectious and how it is transmitted is crucial for developing effective control measures.
Dr. Ayoade Alakija, the chair of Africa Vaccine Delivery Alliance, emphasized the need for more in-depth investigation to better understand mpox transmission dynamics and guide response plans. The lack of equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for all affected populations is a significant obstacle in the fight against the virus. The slow response to the outbreak in Africa has led to spillover to neighboring countries, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent further spread.
The Call for International Cooperation and Support
The declaration of a public health emergency by the World Health Organization and Africa CDC serves as a call to action for international cooperation and support in the fight against mpox. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director general of Africa CDC, emphasized the need for proactive and aggressive efforts to contain and eliminate the virus. The allocation of funds by the African Union and calls for additional support from donors highlight the importance of international solidarity in addressing the outbreak.
Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, underscored the importance of African governments allocating funds to fight the outbreak. The $10.4 million approved by the African Union for Africa CDC’s response is a step in the right direction, but more resources are needed to effectively combat the virus. The estimated $4 billion required for the response underscores the scale of the challenge and the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure.
In conclusion, the mpox outbreak in Africa poses a significant threat to public health and requires a coordinated international response to contain and eliminate the virus. The parallels to the early days of the HIV epidemic underscore the importance of addressing stigma, promoting testing and treatment, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics. With the declaration of a public health emergency and calls for increased funding and support, there is hope that the global community can come together to confront this challenge and prevent further spread of the virus.
