The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has categorized the Mpox outbreak in Africa as a significant continental threat, according to Mohammed Omer Mukhier, the IFRC regional director for Africa.
Currently, there are over 17,000 suspected or confirmed cases and approximately 500 deaths reported across at least 12 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This epidemic has exceeded the scale seen in previous years.
The case fatality rate stands at 3.2%, raising alarms due to its rapid spread among newly vulnerable populations and its expansion into regions previously unexposed to Mpox. Mukhier expressed deep concern over the surge in cases, stating, “This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a continental threat that demands immediate and coordinated action.”
In collaboration with DRC Red Cross teams, efforts have been ongoing to support affected communities since last year. However, Mukhier emphasized the need for increased action in coordination with health ministries, as the crisis continues to evolve across Africa.
Grégoire Mateso, President of DRC Red Cross, described the past year as extremely challenging. The emergence of a new, potentially more transmissible variant, specifically Clade 1b, poses serious risks to containment efforts. He highlighted how shortages in testing, vaccines, and treatment kits can significantly impede control measures. Additionally, there is a pressing need for heightened public awareness to reduce stigma and improve early detection and isolation of cases.