The Mpox virus is spiraling out of control across Africa, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director General, Jean Kaseya, has warned.
In a message posted on X, Kaseya raised alarm over the growing number of Mpox cases on the continent.
“I have to say it clearly and loudly that Mpox is getting out of control if we do not act,” Kaseya stated, emphasizing that over 1,000 deaths have been recorded. The disease has spread to 12 additional countries between April and August this year.
Kaseya expressed frustration with the slow pace of action, noting that discussions around pledges to combat the virus must be translated into tangible solutions.
“If we continue with meetings and discussions, we will not succeed. We need to finalize all these talks by next week and turn the pledges into concrete funds, tools, and vaccines for our countries,” he said.
The Africa CDC, a specialized institution under the African Union, is working to enhance the capacity of the continent’s public health institutions.
On October 14, Kenya confirmed its first Mpox-related death, according to Health Director-General Patrick Amoth.
He reported that the country has recorded 13 cases, with eight patients having recovered and discharged, while four others remain hospitalized. “One patient passed on due to a pre-existing medical condition,” Amoth added.
Mpox was declared a public health emergency by the Africa CDC in August, and the World Health Organization (WHO) similarly classified it as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
In response, the WHO donated a substantial amount of medicines and diagnostics to support Kenya’s efforts against Mpox and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The donation, worth Sh213 million, includes 15,215,000 tablets aimed at a mass drug administration campaign later this month. The initiative will target over 15 million people in 15 counties, particularly in the Coastal region, Lake Victoria basin, and Western regions, where the disease burden remains highest.
