In a shocking revelation, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday that Africa has witnessed an alarming rise in mpox cases, with nearly 30,000 suspected instances recorded in 2024 alone. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been disproportionately affected, emerging as the epicenter of this outbreak.

From January to September 15, a staggering 29,342 suspected and confirmed mpox cases were noted across the African continent, with a tragic toll of 812 reported deaths. This health crisis has severely strained medical resources in the DRC, where officials have reported an alarming shortage of testing supplies. In addition to the DRC, neighboring Burundi is also grappling with an increase in cases.

The situation is exacerbated by limited diagnostic capabilities in many African nations, leaving numerous suspected cases untested. According to WHO's data, by September 15, the DRC alone had confirmed 5,399 cases, while Burundi and Nigeria reported 564 and 55 respective confirmed instances. Other countries, including South Africa, Uganda, Liberia, and Morocco, have seen new infections and fatalities, contributing to 2,046 suspected cases and 14 deaths recorded across nine nations in recent weeks.

Recognizing the dire circumstances, the international community is rallying support. Last week, the World Bank announced a significant $128.89 million aid package aimed at aiding ten African countries in their battle against this health crisis.

Mpox, a disease that spreads through close contact, manifests with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and can become fatal in rare situations. The gravity of the outbreak prompted the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13, 2024. Just a day later, the WHO announced that the Clade I outbreak was a public health emergency of international concern.

As the situation develops, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift response to this escalating outbreak. The call for more resources, faster testing, and effective treatments has never been more urgent. Stay tuned as we continue to report on this pressing health crisis and its implications for the continent.