A total of 32,407 cases of mpox, including 6,441 confirmed cases and 840 deaths, have been reported across the African continent since the start of this year, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Xinhua reports. Last week, Africa CDC reported that the total number of mpox cases in Africa had risen to 29,152,including 6,105 confirmed cases and 738 deaths, since the start of 2024. In Rwanda, the Ministry of Health on September 19 announced that it launched an Mpox vaccination campaign for health workers, cross-border business operators, hospitality workers, and other high-risk groups. ALSO READ: How is Rwanda faring in fight against mpox? During an online media briefing on the multi-country mpox outbreak in Africa Thursday evening, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said the continent reported 2,910 new cases in the past week alone, including 436 confirmed cases and 16 deaths, bringing the total number of cases this year to 32,407. ALSO READ: Rwanda confirms Marburg outbreak, steps up preventive measures Kaseya warned that mpox cases in Africa are steadily increasing across all affected countries, saying that gaps and challenges are hindering the continent's response efforts, such as limited surveillance, contact tracing, follow-up, and poor data quality. According to Africa CDC data, less than 4 percent of contact tracing is being conducted in affected countries, while more than 68 percent of cases lack an epidemiological link. Citing gaps in case identification and clinical diagnosis, Kaseya called for an urgent need to enhance mpox surveillance, contact tracing, and laboratory testing. The Africa CDC reported a 194 percent increase in mpox cases this year compared to the same period in 2023, with the Central African region accounting for 90 percent of all reported cases. In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the ongoing mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Soon after, the World Health Organization also declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for the second time in two years.
