The Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has declared an end to the mpox emergency following a decline in cases and fatalities across the continent.
The centre reported on Monday that suspected cases had declined by 40%, confirmed cases by 60%, and the fatality rate had lowered sharply.
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024 after mpox cases rose sharply to more than 80,000 suspected infections and 1,340 deaths, mostly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the centre, limited access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments had left African countries especially vulnerable to the outbreak.
In response, the centre informed that it mobilised over US$1 billion, strengthened community‑based surveillance, expanded laboratory and genomic capacity, delivered more than five million vaccine doses to 16 countries, and advanced joint research with thousands of scientists, efforts that contributed to a decline in cases.
The Africa CDC explained that its decision to revoke this status, based on the recommendation of its Emergency Consultative Group, marked an important step forward for the continent and reflects stronger preparedness and coordination across countries.
“With the emergency phase over, Africa CDC is shifting focus to long‑term control and eventual elimination. A new Mpox Transition Roadmap will support countries in maintaining strong surveillance, vaccination, and research systems, while also helping shape broader efforts to improve health security across Africa,” it stated.
The Centre, however, warned that Mpox remains present in some areas, so continued vigilance is needed.
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