Africa’s Mpox Response: Better Diagnostics One Year into Emergency
August 14, 2025
Mpox cases are finally declining across Africa, but experts caution that the crisis is far from over. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, diagnostic capacity has expanded from just two laboratories in 2024 to 69 this year. More than 886,000 people have been vaccinated in 12 countries, yet coverage remains insufficient against nearly 100,000 suspected cases. Conflict, stigma, and vaccine shortages still hinder control efforts, while cholera outbreaks further strain fragile systems. Sustaining progress requires continued investment in surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and targeted vaccination. Without sustained global support, fragile gains risk slipping away.
Mpox infections appear to be receding across Africa, but public health officials warn that the region is still grappling with fragile progress. According to Africa CDC, 24 countries have reported outbreaks, with nearly 100,000 suspected cases and close to 600 deaths in 2025. Yet fewer than one third have been laboratory confirmed, underscoring the continued weakness of surveillance systems. The Democratic Republic of Congo, where conflict has severely restricted access to health services, accounts for most untested cases. Still, notable progress has been achieved: DRC alone expanded its diagnostic laboratories from two in January 2024 to 69 today, and more than 3,000 health workers have been trained in case management through WHO and Africa CDC’s incident management support team.
Vaccination efforts, while significant, remain inadequate. Only 886,000 people across 12 countries have been immunized, far short of continental needs. Weak financing and competing emergencies compound the problem. WHO officials stress that the next six months must focus on expanding community surveillance, integrating mpox into broader health programs, and ensuring more efficient deployment of limited vaccines.
The infrastructure built for mpox is now being leveraged against another pressing emergency: cholera. Already this year, 220,000 cholera cases have been reported across 23 countries, nearly matching 2024’s totals. Africa CDC is pushing for integrated responses, including joint HIV and mpox testing, given the heightened vulnerability of people living with HIV.
Financing remains a critical barrier. With foreign aid reduced by 40 percent in just two years—steepest under the Trump administration—African leaders are turning to domestic revenue and innovative taxes, such as levies on imports or airline travel. As Africa CDC Director Jean Kaseya emphasizes, sustainability will require both local investment and international solidarity. Without it, hard-won progress against mpox—and cholera—could quickly unravel.