MPOX TRACKER

The WHO African Region has experienced a significant upsurge in mpox cases in recent years, primarily driven by increases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As of August 30, the DRC reported over 27,000 suspected mpox cases and more than 1,300 deaths since January 2023, linked to the more virulent clade I of the monkeypox virus (MPXV).

Key developments:
1. In 2023, a new variant, clade Ib, was identified in DRC's South Kivu province, showing evidence of adaptation to sustained human-human transmission.
2. Clade Ib has spread to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
3. In response, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

To address this crisis, WHO has developed the Mpox Vaccination Preparation Roadmap. This initiative aims to:
1. Support countries in planning mpox vaccine introduction and implementation.
2. Ensure safe, effective, and efficient use of mpox vaccines once accessed.
3. Assist countries in preparing applications for mpox vaccine supply through multilateral mechanisms.

The Roadmap is designed for both countries with active outbreaks and those preparing for potential future outbreaks. It includes recommended actions prioritized as 'Very high priority' and 'High priority' for early initiation.

Accompanying the Roadmap is an Mpox Vaccine Readiness Assessment Tool, which helps countries:
1. Assess program readiness to introduce mpox vaccines.
2. Identify gaps and areas needing support.
3. Prioritize actions for enhanced readiness.

This comprehensive approach, building on lessons from COVID-19 and Ebola vaccine rollouts, emphasizes the importance of vaccines in the overall mpox response strategy. As the situation evolves, this roadmap will play a crucial role in guiding African countries' preparedness and response efforts, potentially marking a turning point in the fight against mpox in the region.