Persistent Health Crisis: Examining the Ongoing Impact of Mpox in Africa

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September 6, 2025

Mpox No Longer a Global Health emergency, but Concerns Linger in Africa

The World Health Organization has announced that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is no longer considered a global health emergency. this declaration follows a sustained decrease in reported cases worldwide, particularly across the African continent. Despite this positive advancement, the African Union has expressed reservations, maintaining that conditions do not yet warrant relaxing vigilance at a continental level.

Shifting Perspectives on Mpox

The WHO’s decision reflects a significant turnaround from its earlier classification of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in july 2022. This initial declaration was triggered by a rapid global spread of the virus beyond its traditionally endemic regions in west and Central Africa. According to data compiled earlier this year, approximately 34,000 cases were reported globally, with nearly half of those originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo-Kinshasa.

Though,recent trends have shown a marked decline. as of this year, over 17,000 suspected cases – including 2,863 confirmed infections – have been recorded in Africa, indicating a slowing of transmission.The African union, while acknowledging the downward trend, cautioned that the situation remains fragile.”The current downward trends are not yet stable enough to motivate the emergency position at the continental level,” a statement released by the AU explained.

Regional Disparities and Ongoing Risks

The difference in assessment between the WHO and the AU highlights the regional disparities in the Mpox outbreak.While global case numbers have decreased, the virus continues to circulate actively within several African nations, posing an ongoing risk to public health. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with consistent reports of new infections.

Did You no? Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes variola virus (the cause of smallpox). Source: World Health Organization

the WHO’s decision to de-escalate the emergency response doesn’t mean the threat has vanished but signifies a shift towards long-term management. continued surveillance, vaccination efforts, and public health education will be crucial to preventing future outbreaks.

Organization	Mpox status	Rationale
World Health Organization (WHO)	No Longer a Global Health Emergency	Sustained decline in global case numbers.
African Union (AU)	Continues to Monitor as a Health Concern	Downward trends are not yet stable enough for de-escalation.

Pro Tip: Maintain regular hand hygiene and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of Mpox, such as a rash or fever. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What factors do you think are contributing to the decline in Mpox cases? and what steps can be taken to ensure continued vigilance against future outbreaks?

Understanding Mpox: Beyond the Headlines

Mpox, while recently in the spotlight, has been a known disease for decades. originally discovered in monkeys in 1958, it typically presented with milder symptoms than smallpox. The recent global outbreak, though, revealed new transmission patterns and a wider range of clinical manifestations.

The primary modes of transmission include close contact with an infected individual or animal, contact with contaminated materials (such as bedding or clothing), and respiratory droplets. Vaccination, originally developed for smallpox, has proven effective in preventing Mpox infection, and increased availability of the vaccine is key to controlling the spread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mpox

• What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that can cause a rash,fever,and swollen lymph nodes.
• How is Mpox sp
  
  

  How does the higher mortality rate associated with Clade I mpox in Central Africa impact public health strategies compared to Clade II outbreaks?

  Understanding the Current Mpox Landscape

  As of September 6, 2025, Africa continues to grapple with a meaningful mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) health challenge.While global attention initially focused on outbreaks outside of endemic regions, the continent remains the epicenter of the disease, particularly with Clade I mpox. The situation is complex, evolving, and demands a nuanced understanding. This article, brought to you by archyde.com, will delve into the ongoing impact, challenges, and potential solutions surrounding mpox in Africa.

  Recent data from the CDC highlights ongoing activity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the bordering countries of the Republic of the Congo (ROC) and Central African Republic (CAR) [1]. These regions experience regular occurrences of Clade I mpox, and current outbreaks are exacerbating existing health system strains.

  clade I vs.Clade II: A Critical Distinction

  It’s crucial to differentiate between the two main mpox clades:

  Clade I: Predominantly found in Central Africa (DRC, ROC, CAR). historically associated with higher mortality rates, estimated around 10%. Transmission is often linked to close contact with infected animals, particularly rodents and primates.

  Clade II: The clade responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. generally associated with lower mortality rates (around 1%) and primarily spreads through close, intimate contact between people.

  the ongoing situation in Central Africa centers around Clade I, presenting unique epidemiological and public health challenges. Understanding this distinction is vital for targeted interventions and resource allocation.

  Key Challenges Facing Mpox Control in Africa

  Several factors contribute to the persistence of mpox in Africa:

  1. Limited surveillance: Robust surveillance systems are lacking in many affected areas, hindering accurate data collection and timely outbreak response. This makes it difficult to track transmission patterns and implement effective control measures.
  2. Weak Healthcare Infrastructure: Overburdened and under-resourced healthcare systems struggle to cope with the demands of mpox diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.Access to diagnostic testing, antiviral medications (like tecovirimat, though availability is limited), and supportive care is often inadequate.
  3. Animal-Human Interface: The zoonotic nature of Clade I mpox,with reservoir hosts in wildlife,presents a continuous risk of spillover events. Deforestation, bushmeat hunting, and encroachment on wildlife habitats increase the likelihood of transmission.
  4. Vaccine Access & Equity: While vaccines are available, access remains a significant barrier in Africa. Global vaccine supply and distribution strategies have historically prioritized high-income countries, leaving vulnerable populations in endemic regions unprotected. The JYNNEOS vaccine is proving effective, but equitable distribution is paramount.
  5. Stigma and Misinformation: Stigma surrounding mpox can deter individuals from seeking medical care, hindering early diagnosis and treatment. Misinformation and lack of awareness further exacerbate the problem.
  6. Climate Change: Altered ecosystems and animal migration patterns due to climate change may contribute to increased human-animal contact and the spread of mpox.

  Impact on Public Health Systems

  The ongoing mpox outbreaks place a considerable strain on already fragile public health systems in affected countries. Resources are diverted from other essential health programs, such as malaria control, HIV/AIDS treatment, and maternal and child health services.

  healthcare Worker Safety: Protecting healthcare workers from infection is a major concern.Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training are essential.

  Laboratory Capacity: Limited laboratory capacity hinders rapid diagnosis and confirmation of mpox cases.

  Contact Tracing: Effective contact tracing is crucial for controlling outbreaks, but it requires significant resources and trained personnel.

  Prevention Strategies & Public Health Interventions

  A multi-faceted approach is needed to address the ongoing mpox crisis in Africa:

  Strengthened Surveillance: Investing in robust surveillance systems to detect and monitor mpox cases is paramount.

  Enhanced Laboratory Capacity: Expanding laboratory capacity for rapid and accurate diagnosis.

  Vaccination Campaigns: Prioritizing vaccination for high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and individuals living in endemic areas.

  Community Engagement: Raising awareness about mpox, promoting safe practices, and addressing stigma through community-based interventions.

  Wildlife Management: Implementing sustainable wildlife management practices to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission. This includes regulating bushmeat hunting and protecting wildlife habitats.

  Improved Hygiene Practices: Promoting good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of transmission.

  international Collaboration: Strengthening international collaboration to ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatment.

  The Role of Research and Innovation

  Further research is needed to:

  Understand the animal reservoir: Identifying the specific animal species that harbor the mpox virus is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

  Develop more effective vaccines and treatments: Investing in research to develop more effective and affordable vaccines and antiviral medications.

  Improve diagnostic tools: Developing rapid and accurate diagnostic tools that can be used in resource-limited settings.

  Investigate long-term health consequences: Studying the long-term health effects of mpox infection.

  Real-World Example: DRC’s