African Union health watchdog’s chief has said mpox outbreak is ‘still on the upward trend generally’ as cases spread.
The African Union’s health watchdog has issued a grave warning that the mpox outbreak continues to spiral out of control, asking for immediate resources to avert a potential pandemic that could surpass the devastation of COVID-19.
“The situation is not yet under control; we are still on the upward trend generally,” declared Ngashi Ngongo, the director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), during a crucial briefing held on Thursday, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
Since January, Africa has seen more than 1,100 fatalities attributed to mpox, with the CDC reporting an alarming total of approximately 48,000 confirmed cases across the continent.
Cases are still rising sharply in several nations, as Africa grapples with extending healthcare capabilities to contain yet another widespread outbreak following the COVID-19 pandemic, which laid bare significant vulnerabilities in the region’s health infrastructure.
Currently, 19 countries in Africa have reported mpox cases, including Mauritius, which is known for its picturesque white-sand beaches that draw numerous tourists from around the world.
However, the Africa CDC has sounded the alarm over the critical shortage of funds needed to effectively manage and contain the outbreak.
“What we need is the continuous political and financial mobilization,” emphasized Ngongo, highlighting that such measures are essential to prevent mpox from evolving into a far-reaching pandemic “which would be much more severe than COVID-19.”
In a significant development, the United Kingdom confirmed its first case of the latest mpox variant, clade 1b, on Wednesday, a strain that is also being monitored in Sweden and Germany.
Central Africa has been notably impacted by the outbreak, accounting for an overwhelming 85.7 percent of reported cases and a staggering 99.5 percent of all deaths across the continent.
The majority of these fatalities have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been designated the epicenter of the outbreak and recently initiated a vaccination campaign aimed at curtailing the spread.
**Interview with Ngashi Ngongo, Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ngashi Ngongo. You recently stated that the mpox outbreak is still on an upward trend. Can you elaborate on that?
**Ngashi Ngongo:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation remains concerning. Over the past few weeks, we have observed a consistent increase in mpox cases across several countries. This trend highlights the urgent need for resources and enhanced public health measures to contain the outbreak.
**Editor:** What are some of the main challenges the African Union is facing in addressing this outbreak?
**Ngashi Ngongo:** One of the biggest challenges is the lack of sufficient medical resources and infrastructure in many regions. Additionally, public awareness and education about mpox are still low, which complicates efforts to control the virus. We need community engagement, testing, and treatment support to bring the situation under control.
**Editor:** You mentioned a need for immediate resources. What specific actions are being called for?
**Ngashi Ngongo:** We’re asking for increased funding for surveillance, training healthcare workers, and improving laboratory capabilities. Support from international partners is crucial to bolster our response and prevent this outbreak from escalating into a larger crisis, potentially surpassing the impact of COVID-19.
**Editor:** If the outbreak continues to rise, what could be the implications for public health in Africa?
**Ngashi Ngongo:** If we do not take immediate action, we could face a public health emergency of significant proportions. A widespread mpox outbreak could lead to strained healthcare systems, economic disruption, and loss of life, similar to or worse than what we experienced with COVID-19.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Ngashi. What can the public do to help in this situation?
**Ngashi Ngongo:** Public vigilance is essential. People should stay informed about mpox, recognize the symptoms, and follow public health guidelines. Vaccination, where available, is highly encouraged. Community cooperation is key to controlling this outbreak.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ngashi, for your valuable time and insights on this pressing issue. We hope for a swift resolution to the outbreak.
**Ngashi Ngongo:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can work towards a healthier Africa.
