NAIROBI, NOV 1 – The African Union’s health watchdog yesterday warned that the mpox outbreak is not yet under control and appealed for resources to prevent an outbreak worse than COVID-19.
More than 1,100 people have died from mpox in Africa, where about 48,000 cases have been recorded since January, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Mpox cases are still rising in several countries as the continent struggles to contain another major outbreak in the wake of COVID-19, exposing Africa’s weak health systems.
“The situation is still not under control. In general, we are still on an upward trend,” said Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC chief of staff and chief executive office, in an online briefing.
So far, 19 countries in Africa have reported mpox cases after the infection was detected in Mauritius, a popular destination for tourists attracted by its white beaches and clear waters.
The situation is particularly alarming in Uganda, which reported its first death from the virus this week.
But funds to contain the epidemic are still insufficient, according to the Africa CDC warning.
“What we need is continued political and financial mobilization,” Ngongo said, adding that the move was essential to stop mpox from becoming another epidemic “which could be much worse than COVID-19”.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus that is spread to humans by infected animals but can also spread from person to person through close physical contact. – AFP
