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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared a public health emergency across the continent due to the rapid spread of Mpox outbreak.

Africa CDC is initiating “active engagement” with African Union member states to prevent the outbreak from escalating into another pandemic, said Director General Dr Jean Kaseya.

“I stand before you with a heavy heart but also with an unwavering resolve. We are meeting today because of the emergence and rapid spread of Mpox,” Kaseya said.

“This is not just another challenge; it is a crisis that demands our collective action, a moment that calls upon the very essence of our humanity, our unity and our strength.”

She added: “Our continent has seen many struggles. We have faced pandemics, various outbreaks, natural disasters and conflicts.

“Yet, through every adversity, we have risen, not as fragmented nations, but as one Africa – resilient, resourceful and resolute. Today, as we confront the threat of Mpox, we must summon that same spirit of solidarity.”

Mpox or Monkey Pox is caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection that can spread between people via things and surfaces that have been touched by an infected person.

In settings where the Monkeypox virus is present among some wild animals, it can also be transmitted from infected animals to people. Mpox can show a range of signs and symptoms. While some people have less severe symptoms, others may develop a serious illness and need care in a health facility.

People typically at high risk of getting infected include pregnant women, children and those with compromised immune systems, including people with untreated or advanced HIV disease.

With 887 new confirmed and suspected Mpox cases reported in the past week, bringing this year’s total to 15,132, the outbreak has seen a 160 percent compared with the same period last year.

First-time reports

Sixteen countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, accounting for over 90 percent of the cases, have been affected, with first-time reports coming from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. So
far, 461 people have died from the disease this year.

Kaseya emphasised the importance of a unified response, stressing the agency’s commitment to mobilising resources and providing technical assistance to the affected countries.

An emergency committee to consider whether the outbreak on the continent should be declared a global emergency has been established with the aim of enhancing the global response, mitigating the impact of the health threat and protecting public health while minimiing disruptions to travel and trade.

Declaring a continental public health emergency involves technical consultations between Africa CDC and affected member states, followed by an extraordinary summit of heads of state to coordinate a response.

Meanwhile, the Bungoma County government and the Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET)has launched a project to help curb high infant mortality rates in the region. The project, which is running in the 14 counties of the Lake Region Economic Bloc, aims to nurture early childhood development.

Nurturing care

Speaking to reporters after the launch of the project on Monday, KMET Executive Director Monicah Ogutu said that nurturing care for early childhood development programmes is a global initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and implemented by member countries.

The objective of the project is to ensure that children aged 0-1,000 days survive, thrive and develop to their full potential.

“Nurturing care refers to conditions created by public policies, programmes and services that enable caregivers and communities to ensure children’s good health and nutrition and protect them from
threats,” she said.

The programme has five components: good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, opportunities for early learning, and responsible caregiving.