Sustaining efforts to end mpox outbreaks in Africa
August 14, 2025
One year after the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency, Africa has made measurable progress but faces ongoing risks. Twenty-eight countries have reported more than 174,000 suspected cases and nearly 50,000 confirmed infections, with 240 deaths. Coordinated action has expanded laboratories, scaled vaccination, and improved care. Over 900,000 people have received at least one vaccine dose, and some countries have gone months without new cases. Yet conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, persistent stigma, and limited funding threaten fragile gains. Sustained surveillance, targeted vaccination, and investment in community engagement remain essential to prevent resurgence.
The mpox outbreak remains one of Africa’s most serious health challenges, yet the past year has demonstrated the impact of coordinated action. Since the World Health Organization declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, 28 countries have reported more than 174,000 suspected cases and nearly 50,000 confirmed infections, alongside 240 deaths. Despite these figures, response measures are showing results. Case counts have dropped by more than one third in recent weeks, and some nations such as Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, Gabon, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe have recorded months without new cases.
Progress is the result of collaboration between governments, WHO, Africa CDC, and local communities. Laboratory capacity has expanded significantly, vaccine delivery has surpassed 3 million doses, and nearly one million people have received at least one dose. Thirteen countries now have vaccine deployment strategies in place, with eight already vaccinating high-risk groups and contacts. Training initiatives have prepared thousands of health workers, and new continental response frameworks ensure greater efficiency and accountability.
These advances, however, remain fragile. Conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to disrupt access to testing and care, while stigma prevents many patients from seeking treatment. Gaps in funding and persistent shortages of vaccines undermine momentum, especially in areas of active transmission. As WHO officials caution, rapid case detection, strong community engagement, and targeted vaccination must be sustained to consolidate gains.
Looking ahead, priorities include scaling community-based surveillance in high-risk areas, expanding integration of mpox into broader health programs, and securing stable financing for vaccine procurement and distribution. Africa’s response highlights the power of collaboration, but it also exposes vulnerabilities. Without renewed commitment and resources, recent progress could erode, and mpox may once again regain ground as an unchecked health threat.