Africa CDC and European Commission Unite to Enhance Mpox Surveillance in Africa

EU and Africa Unveil PAMTA to Bolster Continent’s Health Security

The European Union and the African Union have launched the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Masterplan for Africa (PAMTA), a critically important initiative aimed at strengthening the continent’s capacity to combat health emergencies. This program builds upon prior EU support, specifically HERA’s donation of mpox vaccines, and marks a crucial advancement in equipping Africa with robust diagnostic tools as part of a thorough medical countermeasures strategy.

This collaborative effort underscores a shared dedication to enhancing epidemic preparedness across Africa. The initiative encompasses a full spectrum of responses, from vaccine provision and diagnostic development to fostering local innovation and manufacturing capabilities. Representatives from both the African Union and the European Union have emphasized that this partnership demonstrates the tangible impact of joint action in safeguarding lives.PAMTA’s rollout is integrated into broader EU-lead efforts to address the ongoing Mpox outbreak. by the middle of 2025, over 600,000 vaccine doses are expected to have been supplied to African nations through HERA and the Team Europe initiative. Concurrently, research projects such as MPX-RESPONSE and EDCTP3 are actively exploring novel therapeutic options. Furthermore,the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (PGI),also supported by EU4Health,is actively improving public health laboratory networks and genomic surveillance capabilities throughout Africa,facilitated by public-private partnerships.

This new program represents a key achievement in EU-Africa collaboration for health resilience. By championing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities and nurturing local innovation, PAMTA is diligently laying the groundwork for Africa’s sustained pandemic preparedness and response infrastructure.

About Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) serves as the public health agency of the African Union. operating autonomously, it provides vital support to member states in reinforcing their health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, improving emergency response mechanisms, and strengthening disease control measures.Further information is available at africacdc.org.

about EU HERA*

Established in september 2021, the European health Emergency Preparedness and response Authority (HERA) plays a critical role in reinforcing Europe’s ability to prevent, detect, and rapidly address cross-border health crises. HERA is a foundational element of the European Health Union, a strategy first proposed by the European Commission in November 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and designed to prepare for future public health emergencies.

How does the EU-Africa CDC partnership specifically address the challenge of limited diagnostic capacity for mpox in African countries?

Strengthening Continental Capacity for Mpox Detection & Response

A landmark partnership between the africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the European Commission is considerably bolstering mpox surveillance across the African continent. This collaboration,formalized in [Date – insert official date of agreement if available,otherwise use “early 2025”],aims to improve early detection,rapid response,and overall preparedness for mpox outbreaks in Africa. The initiative addresses critical gaps in laboratory capacity, data collection, and risk communication – vital components of effective public health security.

Key Components of the EU-Africa CDC Partnership

The collaborative effort focuses on several key areas,representing a multi-faceted approach to mpox control:

Laboratory Network Enhancement: Expanding and strengthening the network of laboratories capable of diagnosing mpox. This includes providing training for laboratory personnel, supplying essential reagents, and improving sample transportation logistics. focus is placed on building enduring, regional hubs for mpox testing.

Real-time Data Surveillance: Implementing and refining real-time data surveillance systems to track mpox cases, identify hotspots, and monitor transmission patterns. This leverages digital health technologies and integrates data from various sources, including clinical facilities and community health workers.Disease surveillance is a core element.

Rapid Response Teams: Establishing and equipping rapid response teams at national and regional levels. These teams will be deployed to investigate outbreaks, conduct contact tracing, and implement control measures swiftly. Outbreak response capabilities are being significantly enhanced.

Risk Communication & Community Engagement: Developing and disseminating targeted risk communication messages to raise awareness about mpox, promote preventive behaviors, and address misinformation. This involves working closely wiht communities and local leaders.Public health awareness is paramount.

Strengthening National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs): Investing in the long-term capacity of NPHIs across Africa to independently conduct surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and outbreak investigations. This is crucial for sustainable disease prevention and control.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Mpox in Africa

Africa faces unique challenges in managing mpox, differing from the global outbreak experienced in 2022. Historically, the West African clade of the mpox virus has circulated in several Central and West African countries, with lower mortality rates than the Congo Basin clade.However, the recent global outbreak highlighted the need for improved surveillance and response capabilities across the continent.

Limited Diagnostic Capacity: Many African countries have limited access to diagnostic testing for mpox, hindering accurate case identification and surveillance.

Underreporting: due to limited awareness and diagnostic capacity, mpox cases are often underreported, making it difficult to assess the true burden of the disease.

Co-existing Infections: The presence of other infectious diseases, such as chickenpox and measles, can complicate mpox diagnosis and management.

Access to Healthcare: Limited access to healthcare in some regions can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to more severe outcomes.

Animal-Human Interface: Understanding the zoonotic transmission of mpox – the spillover from animals to humans – is critical, requiring collaboration between public health and veterinary services.

The Role of genomic Sequencing in Mpox Surveillance

Genomic sequencing plays a vital role in understanding the evolution of the mpox virus and tracking its spread. The Africa CDC, with support from the European Commission, is expanding genomic surveillance capacity across the continent. This allows for:

1. Identifying Viral Variants: Tracking the emergence and spread of different mpox virus variants.
2. Understanding Transmission Pathways: Determining how the virus is spreading within and between countries.
3. Informing Public Health Interventions: Guiding the development of targeted public health interventions, such as vaccination strategies.
4. Monitoring Vaccine Effectiveness: Assessing the effectiveness of vaccines against circulating variants.

Benefits of Enhanced Mpox Surveillance

The strengthened mpox surveillance system will yield important benefits for Africa:

Early Outbreak Detection: Faster identification of outbreaks, allowing for quicker implementation of control measures.

Reduced Morbidity and Mortality: Minimizing the number of cases and deaths associated with mpox.

Improved Public Health Security: Strengthening overall public health security and preparedness for future outbreaks.

Enhanced regional Collaboration: Fostering greater collaboration between African countries in mpox surveillance and response.

Increased Confidence in Healthcare Systems: Building trust in healthcare systems and promoting community engagement.

Practical Tips for Healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals across Africa should prioritize the following:

Clinical Suspicion: Maintain a high index of suspicion for mpox in patients presenting with characteristic symptoms (rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes).

Case Reporting: Promptly report suspected cases to national public health authorities.

Infection Prevention and Control: Implement strict infection prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of mpox in healthcare settings.

Patient Education: Educate patients about mpox, its symptoms, and how to prevent transmission.

Staying Updated: Remain informed about the latest guidance and recommendations from the Africa CDC and WHO regarding mpox.

Real-World Example: Nigeria’s Mpox Response

Nigeria, where mpox is endemic, has been at the forefront of mpox surveillance and response in Africa. The country has established a national mpox technical working group, strengthened laboratory capacity, and implemented