Mpox in Africa: the EU responds
November 14, 2024
Mpox is now spreading across Africa, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency of international concern. Originally confined to Central and West African forests, mpox has reached new regions, with 2024 cases exceeding previous records: 19 countries report over 11,000 cases and nearly 1,000 deaths. According to Matteo Nocci of the EU's humanitarian aid department, this outbreak demands swift action to avoid further global spread. The EU has delivered 215,000 vaccines, provided humanitarian aid, and deployed epidemiologists. Prompt testing and awareness efforts are essential, as symptoms like rash and fever require immediate medical attention.
The spread of mpox across Africa has become a pressing public health issue, declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization. Initially detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, mpox was once largely restricted to Central and West African forests. Now, in 2024, it has reached 19 countries with over 11,000 confirmed cases and nearly 1,000 deaths when suspected cases are included. This outbreak, the largest on record, includes two major virus types: clade 1, endemic to Central Africa and more severe, and clade 2, responsible for a global outbreak in 2022. A new clade, 1b, emerged last year, affecting both adults and children.
Matteo Nocci, overseeing EU humanitarian health efforts, emphasizes the urgent need for swift intervention to prevent further spread. While mpox is not expected to become a global pandemic like COVID-19, it presents significant health and social challenges, especially due to its stigmatizing visible symptoms. In remote areas, limited testing capacity and poor disease surveillance hinder efforts to accurately track and control the virus.
The EU’s response includes delivering 215,000 vaccine doses to affected regions and allocating €1.5 million in humanitarian aid for treatment, prevention, and surveillance. Working with the Africa CDC, the EU has deployed epidemiologists to support mpox management in Congo and initiated widespread health education campaigns to inform communities about symptoms and preventive measures.
As mpox continues to spread, awareness of its symptoms is vital. Those experiencing rashes, fever, or flu-like symptoms are urged to seek medical assistance, as early intervention can significantly reduce the infection's severity. This coordinated international response highlights the importance of vigilance and timely action in addressing public health emergencies before they escalate, ensuring communities have access to the resources they need for effective prevention and care.