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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention of the Africa Union, Africa CDC, has reported a total of 21,466 Mpox cases and 591 deaths in 13 African countries since the beginning of 2024.
The Africa CDC has advocated for the approval of Mpox vaccines for use by all African Union member states, amid global shortages.
The Director General of the Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has called for a holistic approach to the Mpox response among African Union member states.
From 2023 to date, Mpox has been reported in 16 African Union member states, with a high case fatality rate above 3.9 percent.
The affected countries include Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Nigeria.
The Africa CDC has consulted with experts and international bodies to advise member states on Mpox testing and response.
"It is crucial to secure regulatory approval for the vaccines, establish an efficient supply chain, and implement continuous communication efforts to promote vaccine acceptance among the target population."
