Introduction

In a critical virtual assembly on September 22, 2024, the Committee of Heads of State and Government (CHSG) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened under the leadership of His Excellency Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union (AU). This urgent meeting brought together esteemed leaders, international partners, and global health representatives to discuss a dire health crisis plaguing the continent.

The Mpox Outbreak

The focus of the meeting was the overwhelming Mpox outbreak, which has recorded a staggering 29,152 cases since the start of 2024. This number marks a shocking 177% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Tragically, the outbreak has also led to 738 deaths across all five regions of Africa. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Africa CDC has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), while the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Support for Africa CDC

The committee expressed strong support for the Africa CDC's proactive efforts in addressing the crisis and praised its collaborative work with WHO. They reviewed advancements made since the initiation of the Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan, a strategy formulated to counteract the outbreak effectively.

Resource Mobilization

Significantly, the meeting highlighted the essential strides made in resource mobilization. Nearly 4.3 million vaccine doses have been secured, moving towards an ambitious goal of 10 million. Financial commitments have reached $314 million, pushing towards a target of $599 million, with further pledges anticipated from prominent partners, including a notable forthcoming announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden.

CEPI's Commitment

In an exciting development, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed $72 million towards vaccine development and an additional $145 million to boost local vaccine manufacturing capabilities, particularly focusing on facilities in Kigali, Rwanda. This local production capability could be a game-changer for Africa, helping to ensure a swift response to current and future health emergencies.

Call for Continued Mobilization

The committee underscored the critical need for continuous political and financial mobilization to effectively contain the outbreak. Leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration among AU member states, regional partners, and global stakeholders to strengthen the response efforts. A follow-up evaluation meeting has been announced for later this year, aimed at thoroughly assessing resource mobilization outcomes and the current situation on the ground. This meeting will be co-led by President Ghazouani and His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, with contributions from Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, who is also the AU Champion for Pandemic Preparedness.

Conclusion

In a rallying call, the Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to advocate for vital support from all sectors, emphasizing the collective responsibility and unity required to tackle the health challenges posed by the Mpox epidemic.

As the urgent situation unfolds, the committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to member states, partners, and organizations for their unyielding support in safeguarding Africa’s health. Ongoing efforts are deemed essential in ensuring a robust and effective response to the global health crisis that continues to threaten the continent. Stay informed about the Mpox outbreak and the collective efforts to combat it, as developments unfold in the coming weeks.