Mpox Declared Public Health Emergency in Africa

Mpox, a highly infectious disease previously known as monkeypox, has been declared a public health emergency in Africa by the Africa CDC amid a rapid surge in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where over 15,000 cases and 461 deaths have been reported this year. The WHO is considering a global emergency declaration as the virus spreads to 16 countries, exacerbated by a virulent strain with a high fatality rate. Despite Africa CDC securing $10.4 million for response efforts, vaccine availability remains limited. WHO has invited vaccine manufacturers to submit for Emergency Use Listing to expedite access, especially in lower-income countries. The new approach to pandemic preparedness emphasizes broader research on entire pathogen families to develop versatile countermeasures.