WHO Aims to End Mpox Outbreaks in Africa Within Six Months

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced an ambitious plan to halt mpox outbreaks across Africa within the next six months. This effort comes as the first shipments of vaccines are set to arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has reported over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths.

During a recent press briefing, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to end the outbreaks, highlighting strong governmental leadership and collaborative efforts as key factors. Despite a surge in mpox infections, the number of fatalities has remained relatively low.

A new strain of mpox, known as clade 1b, has been detected in several African countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Kenya. This variant, considered potentially more contagious, was first identified in Congo in May, raising concerns among health officials.

To combat the spread, WHO plans to distribute approximately 230,000 vaccine doses to Congo and other affected regions. In addition, the organization is launching educational campaigns to inform the public about preventive measures. However, scientists warn that without comprehensive data on the transmission of mpox in Africa, optimizing vaccine deployment may prove challenging.

Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to secure 380,000 vaccine doses from international donors, including the United States and the European Union. While significant, this number falls short of the quantity needed to fully eradicate the outbreaks.

In August, WHO declared mpox outbreaks a global emergency, prompting a stronger international response to the escalating situation.