By Michael Gwarisa
Following a sustained decline in reported Mpox cases across Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is set to convene an Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) meeting with experts to determine whether Mpox should still be classified as a public health emergency.
In August 2024, Africa CDC declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS)—the first such declaration since the agency’s inception in 2017.
However, recent evidence from contact tracing and screening interventions suggests a notable reduction in Mpox-related morbidity and mortality across the region, prompting a reassessment of the emergency status.
Speaking during the agency’s weekly media briefing, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya confirmed the drop in cases and emphasized the need to evaluate the current public health alert.
We start with some good news. The good news is we see a decrease in terms of notified cases across the continent,” said Dr. Kaseya. “Overall, we see this decrease across all countries affected, and I had to make a decision. I’m calling for the Emergency Consultative Group meeting on the 17th of May—that’s four weeks from today.”
He noted that while the number of confirmed cases has risen in some areas, this is largely attributed to improved testing and screening.
“At the ECG, they will analyze all data. They will assess all the evidence we provide, and they will advise us on whether we still need to maintain the public health emergency of continental security—and what additional measures we need to take,” he added.
The continent previously reported over 2,000 Mpox cases weekly, but recent data indicates a drop to fewer than 1,500. In the latest epidemiological report, 1,453 new cases were recorded, down from 2,099 in week 13—a decrease of 30.8%. Confirmed cases also declined slightly, from 209 to 199 (a 4.7% decrease), while testing coverage rose from 22.1% to 28.2% (410 tests conducted out of 1,453 suspected cases).
“Confirmed cases have plateaued over the last four weeks. Suspected cases have declined in the last three weeks. Test positivity currently stands at 48.53% (199 positive out of 410 tested),” said Dr. Kaseya.
Despite the overall decline, the number of new confirmed cases slightly increased to 533, up from 521 in week 13—a 2.3% rise. Four new Mpox-related deaths were recorded, compared to 13 in the previous week.
Meanwhile, vaccination efforts are ongoing in high-risk countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), more than 525,000 people have already been vaccinated.
Dr. Kaseya also addressed a previously reported issue around customs fees for vaccine imports in the DRC, clarifying that the matter has been resolved.
