Mpox-related deaths have surpassed 1,000 amid outbreaks affecting 18 of Africa’s 55 nations, according to the head of the Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya. This week alone saw 50 new fatalities, bringing the total to 1,100.
Kaseya urged international partners to fulfill their pledges to support Africa’s response, highlighting a nearly $600 million budget for a six-month plan developed by Africa CDC and the WHO. Of this amount, 55% is earmarked for addressing mpox in 14 affected nations and enhancing preparedness in 15 others.
Mpox, related to smallpox, typically causes milder symptoms like fever and body aches, but severe cases can result in lesions. Zambia and Zimbabwe recently confirmed new cases, with eastern DRC remaining the epicenter of the outbreak.
The mpox virus was first identified in Denmark in 1958, and while it had sporadically spread in central and West Africa for years, a global outbreak began in 2022, prompting rapid vaccine distribution from wealthy countries.