Mpox cases drop, new outbreaks detected — Africa CDC
August 8, 2025
Africa has seen a 58 percent drop in mpox cases from May to late July 2025, a milestone credited to strong national leadership, community engagement, and improved health systems. Over 3.1 million vaccine doses have been distributed, with 886,000 people vaccinated, most in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, new outbreaks in Gambia, Cameroon, and Mozambique, along with detection of high-risk clade IIb in Kinshasa, highlight the need for vigilance. Africa CDC is also responding to cholera in 23 member states, driven by poor water and sanitation. Coordinated surveillance, targeted vaccinations, and integrated case management remain essential to sustain progress.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported a 58 percent decline in mpox cases between May and late July 2025, marking a major public health achievement. Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya attributed this progress to strong national leadership, robust community engagement, and strengthened health systems, supported by Africa CDC and partners. More than 3.1 million vaccine doses have been distributed across 12 African nations, with 886,000 people vaccinated so far, 69 percent of them in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Despite the positive trend, new outbreaks in Gambia, Cameroon, and Mozambique have raised concerns. The detection of multiple mpox clades, including the high-risk clade IIb in Kinshasa, underscores the need for intensified surveillance and targeted vaccination strategies, especially for vulnerable populations.
Kaseya also addressed the growing cholera threat, now affecting 23 African Union member states. Chad and the Republic of the Congo have reported new cases, while the DRC and South Sudan remain the hardest hit, albeit with a slow decline in infections and deaths. Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure remain key drivers of transmission.
In response, Africa CDC, in partnership with the World Health Organization and other stakeholders, is expanding its Incident Management Support Team to cover cholera control efforts. This initiative, led by the Zambian presidency, will focus on community-led surveillance, targeted vaccinations, and integrated case management, especially for those with comorbidities.
Both the mpox and cholera responses highlight the need for continued investment in surveillance systems, public health capacity, and preventive measures. Without sustained effort and resources, the continent risks losing the gains made against these health threats, making coordinated action more critical than ever.