By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported a continuing surge in mpox infections across the continent, with over 52,000 confirmed cases and 1,770 deaths recorded between January and May 2025. This marks a notable increase from the previous year and underscores the escalating public health challenge posed by the disease.

The outbreak has affected at least 16 countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Cameroon among the hardest hit. The DRC remains the epicenter, reporting more than 35,000 suspected cases and over 900 deaths. The persistence of the clade I (1a) variant, which carries mutations that may enhance the virus’s transmissibility, continues to drive the outbreak in this region.

Other countries experiencing significant transmission include Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Sierra Leone—the latter recently reporting nearly 3,700 cases concentrated largely in its capital, Freetown. The presence of multiple mpox variants, including clade IIb in Sierra Leone, complicates efforts to contain the virus.

Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease characterized by fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, can cause severe illness in vulnerable populations, especially children and immunocompromised individuals. Transmission occurs through close physical contact with infected people or contaminated materials.

The Africa CDC has declared the outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of Continental Security,” calling for urgent coordinated action across African Union member states. Despite these warnings, vaccine coverage remains insufficient. To date, only 1.3 million doses of mpox vaccine have been distributed across 11 African countries—far below the estimated 6.4 million doses required to control the spread effectively.

Vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic has pledged to supply 10 million doses by the end of 2025, but delivery depends on funding and regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, public health officials continue to emphasize the need for strengthened surveillance, community engagement, and integration of mpox response into broader epidemic preparedness frameworks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated calls for global solidarity, warning that mpox, like COVID-19, poses an ongoing international threat if not contained at its source.

With cases rising and vaccination efforts lagging, Africa faces a critical juncture. Without enhanced international support and accelerated vaccine deployment, mpox risks becoming entrenched in new regions, compounding existing health system burdens.