In a letter to the Ministers of Health of the African Union Member States, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC, called for a comprehensive approach to the Mpox response and urged the universal approval of Mpox vaccines for use in all AU Member States.

"From 2023 to date, the Mpox viral zoonotic disease has been reported in 16 African Union Member States in all five AU regions," Kaseya stated. As of August 23, 2024, 21,466 cases (3,350 confirmed, 18,116 suspected) and 591 deaths have been reported from 13 countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Nigeria. Gabon has recently confirmed its first case, while Sierra Leone and Malawi are testing suspected cases.

Kaseya emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the Mpox response, including surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and public health measures. He also highlighted the importance of access to vaccines and other essential supplies.

The Africa CDC continues to monitor the Mpox outbreak in Africa and provide technical support to Member States. (ILKHA)