Mpox: A Continual Threat to Public Health

In a shocking turn of events, the Africa CDC declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13, 2024. This was closely followed by the World Health Organization (WHO) designating it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) the very next day.

In an unprecedented move, a six-month Mpox Preparedness and Response Plan was crafted, with Africa CDC and WHO leading the charge. This ambitious initiative brought together more than 20 countries and global partners, executing a unified strategy through the Incident Management Support Team (IMST). The outcomes? A coordinated effort that has already made remarkable strides.

Progress Amidst Challenges

With improved coordination, expanded testing, better surveillance, and community engagement, the response to mpox has seen significant advancement. However, the battle is far from over. As of February 2025, 22 countries have reported cases of mpox. While seven of these are back on track, a worrying 15 countries are still grappling with active outbreaks.

Countries like Uganda and Sierra Leone pose a growing risk, while conflict-affected regions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) present additional challenges. Alarmingly, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic (CAR) show promising trends of control, but the situation remains precarious.

New Phase of Response Strategically Launched

On February 25-26, 2025, a crucial meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee and the Africa CDC’s Emergency Consultative Group unanimously recommended extending the emergency declarations and initiating a fresh phase of response. Enter the Mpox Continental Response and Legacy Plan 2.0, running from March to August 2025.

This newly established plan aims to not only address ongoing challenges but also to weave the lessons learned into national health systems, ensuring a legacy of resilience and preparedness for the future.

The Road Ahead

The fight against mpox is not just about immediate response; it’s about building a stronger health infrastructure across the continent. Health systems must be fortified to withstand future outbreaks and protect communities from emerging threats. As the situation develops, the call for solidarity and proactive engagement from governments, health experts, and the community has never been more urgent.