In a concerning development, the number of mpox-related deaths in Africa has exceeded 1,000, according to the head of the continent's top public health agency. This announcement highlights the ongoing threat of cross-border contamination and the urgent need for rapid test kits to combat the outbreak.
Recent data reveals that there were 50 mpox-related deaths in the past week alone, bringing the total death toll to 1,100. Currently, 18 out of Africa's 55 nations are grappling with outbreaks of the virus, underscoring the significant challenges faced by health authorities in containing the spread.
Mpox, a virus belonging to the same family as smallpox, manifests with symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches. Severe cases can result in the development of lesions on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
The director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that the outbreak is at risk of spiraling out of control without prompt intervention. Urging international partners to fulfill their commitments to support Africa's response efforts, he stressed the need for tangible financial assistance to address the crisis effectively.
Efforts to combat the outbreak require substantial funding, with an estimated budget of nearly $600 million proposed for a six-month plan jointly developed by Africa CDC and the World Health Organization. The plan allocates 55% of the funds to responding to mpox in the 14 affected nations and enhancing preparedness in 15 others.
Recent developments include the confirmation of mpox cases in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Kenya's first mpox-related fatality, and a case detected in a prison in central Uganda. Zambia reported a case in a truck driver, underscoring the potential for the virus to spread through various channels.
Despite the global nature of the outbreak, disparities in vaccine distribution have been evident, with wealthier countries swiftly deploying vaccines from their reserves while Africa has faced challenges in accessing an adequate supply. The World Health Organization declared Africa's mpox outbreaks a global health emergency in August, with Congo serving as the epicenter of the crisis.
As of now, Africa has recorded a total of 42,438 suspected cases since the beginning of the year, with 8,113 confirmed as mpox. Vaccination campaigns have commenced in Rwanda and Congo, signaling a proactive approach to curbing the spread of the virus in these regions.
