12 African Countries Commit to Strengthen Cross-Border Collaboration for Improved Mpox and Health Emergency Response
May 23, 2025
Twelve African nations have signed a groundbreaking agreement to enhance cross-border collaboration against mpox and other infectious diseases, reinforcing the principle that epidemics recognize no borders. With over 16,000 confirmed mpox cases and 1,180 deaths across 22 countries, the new coalition—backed by Africa CDC, WHO, the World Bank, and other partners—seeks to streamline data-sharing, boost surveillance, and coordinate movement of affected populations. By uniting political will with technical support, the agreement aims to establish sustainable, regional responses to recurring outbreaks and marks a crucial step forward in achieving health security across East, Central, and Southern Africa.
In a pivotal move for health security across Africa, twelve nations have come together to form a cross-border coalition to fight mpox and other emerging health threats. The coalition includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, Zambia, Kenya, the Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. With over 16,000 confirmed mpox cases and more than 1,180 deaths reported in 22 countries as of February 2025, the urgency for coordinated regional action has never been clearer.
The initiative, supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), was formalized during a high-level meeting in Nairobi. It emphasizes political engagement, real-time data-sharing, and the synchronization of outbreak response measures across borders.
One of the most critical challenges in disease control is the fluid movement of people across porous borders—an issue that this coalition seeks to address through improved surveillance, harmonized protocols, and shared resources. Notably, the agreement aims to enhance clinical care, laboratory testing, vaccine distribution, and risk communication in real-time during public health emergencies.
As Professor Yap Boum II of Africa CDC noted, innovation, integration, and sustainable funding are essential pillars of this coalition’s long-term success. WHO's Dr. Otim Patrick Ramadan echoed the sentiment, calling the agreement a “springboard for collective action” in confronting regional health emergencies.
With support from global partners including Gavi, the Global Fund, and IGAD, this cross-border health coalition marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward pandemic preparedness. It is not only a testament to regional solidarity but also a practical framework for sustainable, coordinated responses to future outbreaks.