Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa
On August 13, 2024, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). The following day, the WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). A coordinated, continent-wide response is essential, co-led by the African Union (AU) through the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), in close collaboration with global partners working under a unified plan, budget, and monitoring framework.
Over the past three years, mpox cases in Africa have surged due to increased human-to-human transmission and insufficient response capacities. Key challenges include weak surveillance, limited laboratory capabilities, poor infection prevention practices, low public awareness, inadequate community involvement, and a shortage of vaccines and treatments. Fragile healthcare systems and inadequate funding exacerbate these issues.
To respond to this outbreak, a coordinated, continentwide response is essential. It was agreed that the response will be co-led by Africa CDC and WHO, in close collaboration with global partners working under a unified incident management team, plan, budget, and monitoring framework.
