Africa has recorded more than 69,000 cases of Monkeypox, known as Mpox, and over 1,260 deaths since the start of 2024, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
During an online briefing earlier this week, Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff and Head of the Executive Office at Africa CDC reported 69,211 Mpox cases across the continent this year. Of these, 14,794 cases were confirmed, and 1,268 deaths were recorded.
The continent registered 3,095 new Mpox cases in the past week alone, including 553 confirmed cases and 31 deaths.
The Africa CDC noted a sharp rise in Mpox infections, with a 789% increase in confirmed cases in 2024 compared to 2023. Ngongo said 15 African countries are currently experiencing active Mpox transmission.
He outlined eight key priorities to combat the outbreak, including mobilizing resources, supporting heavily affected nations, enhancing data management, expanding vaccination campaigns, adopting an integrated response, and addressing co-infections.
In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared Mpox a continental public health emergency, and the World Health Organization (WHO) soon elevated it to an international emergency for the second time in two years.
Monkeypox was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The virus spreads through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials, causing fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.