Mozambique reports its first mpox cases of the year as infections rise in parts of Africa
July 17, 2025
Mozambique’s confirmation of its first mpox cases this year marks the 24th African country now contending with outbreaks. While cases decline in high-burden nations like Sierra Leone and the DRC, troubling increases persist in Nigeria, Liberia, Zambia, Kenya, and Guinea. A severe vaccine shortage threatens these fragile gains, as funding gaps have delayed distribution of urgently needed doses. Africa CDC estimates 3.4 million doses are required, yet shelf lives are expiring amid stalled U.S. pledges and UNICEF procurement delays. Without sustained investment, these outbreaks risk spreading unchecked. Vaccine equity is not optional—it’s imperative.
The mpox outbreak in Africa is evolving, with Mozambique reporting its first three confirmed cases of 2025, bringing the number of affected African nations to 24. These cases, found near the Tanzanian border, had no travel history—suggesting undetected community transmission. While the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone are reporting encouraging declines due to improved surveillance and community engagement, Africa CDC’s latest assessment reveals troubling surges in five countries: Nigeria, Liberia, Zambia, Kenya, and Guinea.
The challenges facing African nations go beyond containment logistics. Vaccine shortages, exacerbated by paused funding and bureaucratic delays, now threaten progress. While Bavarian Nordic maintains available supply, procurement through UNICEF has stalled due to lack of financing. Doses previously pledged by the United States remain largely undelivered, with some nearing expiration. According to the Africa CDC, 3.4 million doses are urgently needed to maintain momentum in outbreak control.
African nations have adopted ring vaccination strategies—targeting close contacts and high-risk groups—a method that has shown promise. However, without timely and sufficient vaccine availability, even the most strategic responses are undermined. Deploying a dose can take up to six months; once funding lags, the impact is felt across health systems.
This evolving situation demands immediate global action. Mpox is no longer confined to isolated pockets—its spread across 24 nations highlights the interconnected nature of public health. The vaccine inequity crisis, familiar from COVID-19, now repeats itself with mpox. Global partners must respond not only with pledges, but with rapid disbursement of funds and streamlined logistics. African countries are doing their part—through surveillance, isolation protocols, and community engagement. The world must now match this urgency with resources, lest these localized outbreaks spark broader crises. In pandemic prevention, delay is defeat.