Mpox Deaths in Africa Exceed 1,000; Health Officials Call for Global Assistance

Mpox Death Toll in Africa Surpasses 1,000, Urgent Action Needed

KAMPALA, Uganda -- The head of Africa's leading public health agency reported that mpox-related deaths on the continent have exceeded 1,000. Jean Kaseya, the director-general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raised alarms about ongoing cross-border contamination and a critical shortage of rapid test kits.

In the last week alone, 50 deaths were recorded, elevating the total to 1,100, as mpox outbreaks spread across 18 of Africa's 55 nations. Kaseya emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are still fighting with this outbreak. We don’t want to see all African countries affected.”

Mpox, related to the smallpox virus, typically presents with milder symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches, but severe cases can result in lesions affecting various body parts.

Kaseya expressed concern about the trajectory of mpox, warning it could spiral out of control without immediate international assistance. He urged global partners to convert their pledges into tangible financial support for Africa's response, highlighting the estimated $600 million budget for a six-month plan, focusing on affected nations.

New cases have emerged in Zambia and Zimbabwe, while Kenya confirmed its first mpox death, and a case surfaced in a Ugandan prison. Historically, mpox has spread quietly in Africa, but a global outbreak in 2022 shifted attention. The WHO declared Africa's mpox outbreaks a global health emergency in August, identifying Congo as the epicenter.

Vaccination efforts are underway in Rwanda and Congo as health officials strive to manage the crisis.