The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the Monkeypox (MPox) virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other neighbouring countries a ‘Public Health Emergency of Continental Security’.
The Director General of the Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya, made the announcement on Tuesday during a news briefing live-streamed on Zoom.
He said the declaration took effect from Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
He said, “Today, I declare, with a heavy heart … a public health emergency of continental security. We declare this public health emergency of continental security to mobilise our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act swiftly and decisively.”
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Kaseya said the decision was made in response to increasing cases of Mpox.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of West and Central Africa.
It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus.
Kaseya called on African Union member states and international partners to collaborate in addressing the outbreak.
He said there were plans to secure more than 10 million Mpox vaccine doses in Africa, starting with three million doses in 2024.
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