Central and East Africa are facing severe health crises as Mpox and the Marburg virus continue to spread, overwhelming healthcare systems. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains at the epicenter of the Mpox outbreak, with over 13,000 cases and 450 deaths reported, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Neighboring countries like Cameroon, Burundi, and Uganda are also experiencing new cases. Despite efforts to contain the virus, limited testing capacity and strained healthcare infrastructure have made it difficult to control the spread.
In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency due to the escalating number of cases, operational challenges, and the need for coordinated global action.
“Mpox has been a recurring issue in the DRC for over a decade, with cases steadily rising each year. This year, the number of cases has already surpassed last year’s total, with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Mpox symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading. Though often mild, the disease can lead to severe complications, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.
The virus spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals, which poses particular challenges in densely populated regions.
“A person is infectious from the onset of symptoms until the skin lesions crust over and new skin forms. Transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets or direct contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or contaminated items,” explained Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Public Health Officer for Sacramento County.
Compounding the health crisis, Rwanda is dealing with its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, with over 60 confirmed cases, including several healthcare workers. The virus’s high fatality rate has increased the urgency for an immediate and coordinated response from national and international health organizations.
Insufficient Vaccines and Global Support Needed
Nearly 900,000 Mpox vaccine doses have been distributed across Africa, but experts warn this is far from sufficient. The Africa CDC estimates that more than 10 million doses are necessary to control the outbreak. Vaccination efforts are ongoing with support from global partners, but substantial challenges remain.
As Africa battles both Mpox and Marburg, the call for increased investment in testing, surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure is more urgent than ever. While local communities are working tirelessly on the ground, sustained global support is critical to addressing these overlapping health crises.