Mpox outbreak still not under control, says Africa CDC

The Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) says the mpox outbreak is still not under control.

Speaking during an online briefing on Thursday, Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC chief of staff and head of the executive office, appealed for resources to avoid a “more severe” pandemic than COVID-19.

“The situation is not yet under control. We are still on the upward trend generally,” Ngongo said.

“What we need is the continuous political and financial mobilisation.”

According to the Africa CDC, more than 1,100 people have died of mpox in Africa, and 48,000 cases have been recorded since January.

Ngongo said cases are still increasing in several countries as the continent struggles to contain another major outbreak coming after COVID-19 that exposed Africa’s weak health system.

He noted that 19 countries in Africa have reported cases of mpox after an infection was detected in Mauritius, a magnet for tourists attracted to its stunning white beaches and crystal-clear waters.

He added that Uganda reported its first death from the virus this week.

In August, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak on the continent a “public health emergency of continental security”.

Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for the virus for the second time in two years.