Newsletters
In August 2024, officials across Africa raised urgent concerns about a rapidly spreading mpox outbreak. On the 13th, the Africa CDC announced that the situation qualified as a continental health emergency.
The very next day, the World Health Organization responded by declaring it an international public health crisis, the second such designation for mpox in just two years.
As of August 2025, mpox continues to affect 26 African countries, up from 13 the previous year. Africa CDC reports over 100,000 suspected cases in 2025, with more than 700 deaths, though experts suggest these numbers may be underreported due to limited surveillance and stigma associated with the disease.
The outbreak is primarily driven by the clade 1b strain, which emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in late 2023.
Since then, it has spread to neighboring countries and beyond, including China, the United Kingdom, the United States and Türkiye.
This strain is more severe and has a higher fatality rate compared to previous variants.
In response to the outbreak, Africa CDC has mobilized resources across the continent, enhancing surveillance, laboratory testing and community engagement.
The organization has also coordinated vaccine distribution, with over 3 million doses delivered to 12 African countries.
However, the initial vaccine rollout faced challenges, including delayed approvals and logistical issues.
The United States pledged to send 1 million doses to Africa, but by July 2025, only about 90,000 doses had arrived, and half of the remaining doses were too close to expiration to be used.
This shortfall has been attributed to delays in regulatory approvals and logistical hurdles.
Despite efforts to control the outbreak, several challenges persist. Stigma surrounding the disease, particularly due to its association with sexual transmission, has hindered public health campaigns.
Additionally, the virus's spread to urban areas and neighboring countries has complicated containment efforts.
Experts warn that without sustained international support and coordinated response efforts, mpox could become entrenched in the human population, increasing the risk of future outbreaks.
2 min read
