Michael Gwarisa
The Emergency Committee of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has advised that Mpox should no longer be classified as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHEIC). The decision follows a sustained decline in cases, reduced mortality, improved testing capacity, and epidemiological trends increasingly consistent with endemic transmission in several settings.
Briefing journalists, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jena Kaseya emphasised that the announcement does not mean Mpox has been eliminated.
“Endemic transmission continues in high-burden countries, requiring sustained vigilance,” said Dr Kaseya.
He added that the focus is now shifting to a transition phase, with the launch of an Mpox Transition Roadmap aimed at country-led preparedness, control, and eventual elimination.
“Key priorities include vaccination and health sovereignty, with plans for expanded vaccine access, local manufacturing, and integration with preparedness programs for other epidemic-prone diseases.”
Data for epidemiological week three of 2026 demonstrates the declining trend. New suspected cases numbered 1,197 compared to 1,236 in epidemiological week one, a decrease of three percent. Confirmed cases dropped from 122 to 74, a 39 percent reduction. Over the past six weeks, confirmed cases fell dramatically from 1,442 to 140, representing a 90 percent decline. Deaths among suspected cases were 13, down from 15 in week one, while deaths among confirmed cases dropped to zero from one. Reporting member states increased to eight out of 32 this week, up from six in week one.
