The African Union's health organization Africa CDC declared a health emergency on the continent on Tuesday due to the widespread outbreak of mpox on the continent.
Mpox outbreaks have occurred in several African countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is with a heavy heart, but with unwavering commitment to our African citizens, that we declare mpox as a health emergency, said Jean Kaseya, head of the health organization Africa CDC, at a press conference.
Kaseya also stated that mpox has crossed borders and affects thousands of people on the African continent.
Since January 2022, 38,465 cases of mpox have been registered in Africa, and 1,456 people have died from the disease, according to figures published by CDC on August 4.
Declaring an emergency is not just a formality, it is a clear call to action, said Jean Kaseya.
The current variant of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, causes rashes all over the body. The virus is transmitted through ordinary skin contact and from mother to child. It is suspected to be behind a large number of miscarriages and stillbirths.
