Africa CDC Declares Continental Public Health Emergency in Response to Monkeypox Outbreak

Jean Kaseya, Director of Africa CDC, officially declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) across the African continent today in response to the rapidly spreading Monkeypox outbreak. This decision, made on August 13, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s fight against the disease, as it seeks to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to contain the spread.

Source of image : Africa CDC meeting, August, 13th, 2024

The Spread of Monkeypox and the Decision to Declare a Continental Emergency

The Monkeypox epidemic has shown alarming growth across multiple African countries, with cases reported in both rural and urban areas.

Since the start of this year, up until 28 July 2024, a total of 14,250 cases of Mpox have been reported across 10 African Union Member States. This includes 2,745 confirmed cases and 11,505 suspected cases, along with 456 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.2%. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is responsible for 96.3% of all reported cases and 97% of all deaths recorded this year.

As the virus continues to spread, the Africa CDC, under the leadership of Jean Kaseya, convened a strategic meeting with global health organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to assess the situation. The consensus was clear: the outbreak required an urgent and coordinated response at the continental level. During the meeting, discussions centered on whether the outbreak warranted a PHECS declaration. Given the rapid transmission rates, the complexity of managing the epidemic across diverse healthcare systems, and the potential for cross-border spread, the decision was made to escalate the response to a continental emergency.

Addressing the Consequences of a Public Health Emergency

In his declaration, Jean Kaseya emphasized that the continental public health emergency is not a call for panic, nor does it justify extreme measures such as closing borders or halting trade. "There is no reason to close borders or stop trading," Kaseya stated. "The only reason we have for declaring this public health emergency of continental security is to ensure that we have the necessary tools: vaccines, diagnostics, and reinforced surveillance. We must make sure that the epidemic is neither imported nor exported by and from countries."

Next Steps: Vaccination and Strengthening Surveillance

One of the most significant outcomes of the emergency declaration is the accelerated plan for vaccination across the continent. Jean Kaseya has assured that 10 million doses of the Monkeypox vaccine will be made available in Africa following discussions with vaccine manufacturers. "We will make sure that vaccines reach each country, each community, each person," he affirmed.

This large-scale vaccination effort will be complemented by enhanced diagnostic capabilities and the reinforcement of surveillance systems. Africa CDC will work closely with national health authorities to ensure that all suspected cases are promptly identified and managed. "We have a vaccination plan," Kaseya said, "but the epidemiology of Monkeypox is changing. We don't have a full understanding of the epidemic, which means we need a long-term plan in terms of vaccination."

The goal is not only to control the current outbreak but also to build resilience against future public health threats. By investing in stronger surveillance and diagnostic systems, Africa CDC aims to detect and respond to outbreaks more quickly, reducing the risk of large-scale epidemics.

Implications for Global Health and Intercontinental Movements

The declaration of a continental public health emergency has significant implications beyond Africa. The coordinated response will require collaboration with international partners to ensure that resources are distributed equitably and that the spread of the virus is contained.

One of the major concerns is the potential impact on intercontinental movements. Although Africa CDC has stated that there is no need for border closures, heightened surveillance will be necessary to prevent the virus from spreading to other regions. Jean Kaseya highlighted the importance of global cooperation: "We can distribute vaccines, but we need more than 10 million doses. The situation demands a collective response to ensure that no one is left behind."

This declaration is a call to action for the global community to support Africa in its fight against Monkeypox. The success of the response will depend on the ability to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and maintain a united front against the virus.

Conclusion

As Africa CDC moves forward with its response to the Monkeypox outbreak, the focus will be on deploying vaccines, enhancing surveillance, and strengthening healthcare systems across the continent. Jean Kaseya's leadership and the collaborative efforts of health partners will be critical in ensuring that the epidemic is contained and that Africa is better prepared for future health challenges.

The declaration of a continental public health emergency is a significant step in the fight against Monkeypox, setting the stage for a comprehensive and coordinated response that could serve as a model for managing similar outbreaks in the future.

Source of image : Africa CDC, Mpox Situation in Africa - Report - 30 JULY 2024