The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a staggering increase in mpox cases, with over 1,000 new infections recorded in the past week alone.
This alarming surge has prompted African health authorities to urgently call for more vaccines to combat the growing threat of the virus on the continent.
Mpox, a viral illness related to smallpox, spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. While symptoms are generally mild, severe cases can lead to lesions and other complications. The DRC has been particularly hard hit, accounting for the majority of Africa’s mpox cases this year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreaks in Africa a global health emergency, highlighting the urgent need for international support. Despite limited testing and surveillance capabilities in many African countries, the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported.
The recent surge in Congo has also raised concerns about a new variant of the virus that may be more easily transmitted. This development has prompted the WHO to call for increased efforts to contain the outbreaks and prevent further spread.
While some vaccine doses have been pledged by the European Union, the United States, and Japan, the demand far exceeds the current supply. Experts warn that without sufficient vaccines, the situation could worsen, potentially leading to a global outbreak.
The ongoing mpox crisis in Africa echoes the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many African countries struggled to access vaccines and other essential resources. The inequitable distribution of health resources continues to be a major concern, with wealthier nations often prioritizing their own populations.
As the number of mpox cases continues to rise, African health authorities are urging the international community to provide the necessary support to help curb the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.