The Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) is intensifying its efforts to mobilize resources against mpox, one year after declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security.
At the agency’s regular press briefing on Friday, August 23, Yap Boum, Incident Manager for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), revealed that Africa CDC had secured strategic partnerships during the recent Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
Japan Backs Health Innovation in Africa
Boum highlighted Japan’s commitment to support local manufacturing of essential health tools and digital health innovations. He stressed the importance of self-reliance in research and development, noting that delays during past outbreaks such as Ebola had cost lives.
“The continent must have ownership of research and development,” Boum emphasized.
Ongoing Response in DR Congo and Beyond
Africa CDC recently deployed a delegation to the DRC to bolster the country’s response not only to mpox but also to cholera and measles. The mission included high-level meetings with national and local leaders to assess ongoing interventions.
According to Boum, the top four outbreaks currently affecting Africa are mpox, cholera, dengue fever, and measles, with mpox and cholera leading in both cases and fatalities.
Drop in New Cases but Rising Deaths
Continental data for reporting week 31 shows a decline in new mpox cases. Confirmed infections fell to 479 cases, down from more than 600 the previous week. However, deaths linked to both confirmed and suspected cases increased.
- DR Congo: Suspected and confirmed cases dropped by 17% and 9%, though men remain disproportionately affected.
- Sierra Leone: Significant progress under its “Operation Zero Case” campaign, but deaths have risen.
- Uganda: Suspected and confirmed cases declined by 14% each.
- Liberia: Both suspected and confirmed cases dropped by 75%, though the country recorded its highest number of cases in six weeks, with Montserrado County most affected.
Outlook
Despite recent gains, Africa CDC warns that the outbreak remains a serious public health threat requiring sustained investment, cross-border collaboration, and innovation in Africa’s health systems.
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