The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has declared the Mpox outbreak in Africa to be a significant continental threat rather than just a local issue. Mohammed Omer Mukhier, the IFRC’s regional director for Africa, highlighted the severity of the situation.
With over 17,000 suspected or confirmed cases and approximately 500 deaths reported in at least 12 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the current epidemic has exceeded previous years’ levels. The case fatality rate stands at 3.2%, and the rapid spread of the virus among newly vulnerable populations is particularly alarming, with the disease reaching regions that have never faced Mpox before.
Mukhier emphasized the urgency, stating, “The sharp increase in mpox cases in Africa is deeply concerning and a serious public health concern. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a continental threat that demands immediate and coordinated action.” He noted that since last year, efforts have been made in collaboration with DRC Red Cross teams to assist affected communities, but more comprehensive actions are necessary in partnership with the Ministries of Health as the situation continues to evolve.
Grégoire Mateso, President of the DRC Red Cross, addressed the challenges faced over the past year, pointing out that the emergence of a potentially more transmissible variant, such as Clade 1b, complicates containment efforts. He stressed the critical need for increased testing, vaccine distribution, and treatment supplies to effectively combat the spread of the virus. Furthermore, he called for enhanced public awareness to combat stigma, as well as advocating for prompt case detection and isolation procedures.