Time: 2024-08-17
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is on the brink of declaring a public health emergency of continental security due to the surge in mpox cases . Since the beginning of last year , there have been 14,000 reported cases and 511 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo . The numbers are alarming , with children making up the majority of cases , mirroring the total reported cases in the country last year.
In the last couple of weeks , there has been a concerning development as mpox has been detected in countries that have never previously identified cases , such as Burundi , Kenya , Rwanda , and Uganda . This has prompted the Africa CDC to take quick action and seek international support , given the past abandonment during the COVID-19 pandemic . The agency is particularly concerned about the high percentage of cases in children under 18 , emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The World Health Organization has also acknowledged the evolving mpox situation and has announced the convening of an emergency committee to determine whether to declare the situation a Public health emergency of international concern . With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing an mpox health alert , there is global recognition of the need for vigilance and preparedness to combat the spread of the virus.
The U.S. has pledged significant financial support to assist in addressing the crisis , with nearly 24 million dollars allocated to help in the Democratic Republic of Congo and additional funds for mpox response efforts . However , the challenge lies in the availability and affordability of vaccines , with the cost per dose being a significant barrier for many African countries . The emergence of a new subtype of mpox , Clade Ib , has presented challenges for diagnosis and transmission , but there is some hope as the fatality rate has dropped below 1%.
The spread of mpox among sex workers and adults in the east of the DRC has raised concerns about transmission and containment . With efforts underway to secure vaccine donations and address the urgent need for doses , there is a critical gap between supply and demand . The complexity of the situation underscores the importance of global cooperation and swift action to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
As the Africa CDC prepares to make a significant declaration regarding the public health emergency , the international community must rally together to support the response efforts and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations in Africa . The urgency of the situation demands a coordinated and comprehensive approach to contain the spread of mpox and mitigate its impact on public health.
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