International Health Organization: Potential to curtail Mpox outbreaks in Africa within 6 months
According to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the ongoing Mpox outbreaks in Africa could potentially be brought under control within six months. This is achievable, he stated on a recent Friday, if collaborative efforts from partners are intensified. In the upcoming days, the WHO is expected to dispatch its initial cargo of Mpox vaccines to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Congo currently holds the highest number of Mpox cases - over 18,000 suspected infections and 629 fatalities. To date, Africa has only received a minimal quantity of the vaccines required to curb the virus spread. Tedros noted that although infections have surged rapidly in recent periods, the fatality rate has remained moderate. Presently, 258 cases of the latest Mpox variant have been identified in countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Sweden, and Thailand.
The World Health Organization recognized Mpox outbreaks as a global health emergency earlier this month. Akin to smallpox, Mpox causes milder symptoms like fever and headache. However, in severe instances, individuals may develop painful sores and blisters on areas such as the face, chest, hands, and genitals. Mpox is primarily transmitted via close skin contact.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voiced optimism this week, anticipating the receipt of around 380,000 doses of Mpox vaccine, which notable donors including the US and EU have pledged. Regrettably, this intimidates less than 15% of the reported vaccinations required to put an end to the outbreaks in the Congo.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in The Congo, is set to receive the WHO's initial cargo of Mpox vaccines. Participatory efforts to increase vaccine distribution are crucial, as The Congo currently has the highest number of Mpox cases and fatalities in Africa.
