WHO Africa Committee meets as Mpox cases reach 19,000

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa convened in Congo today for a five-day summit focused on health emergency preparedness and response strategies as the continent faces a significant surge in mpox cases. The meeting, held in Brazzaville, comes as confirmed mpox cases in Africa approach 19,000, with health authorities concerned about the rapid spread of the disease.

The summit has brought together 47 health ministers from across the continent, along with WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus and the organization’s regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti. Among the topics on the agenda are universal health coverage, emergency funding mechanisms, and the mobilization of resources to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak.

“The current mpox outbreak highlights the urgency of enhancing preparedness and coordinated responses across Africa,” Dr. Moeti said in her opening remarks. “We are witnessing an evolving situation that requires stronger collaboration among our member states and partners.”

The meeting follows recent joint appeals by the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for more funding and cooperation to tackle the outbreak. The WHO has already allocated $1.5 million from its contingency fund to support the response efforts, but Dr. Tedros emphasized that an estimated $135 million is needed to fully implement the global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.

“We must act swiftly to close this gap if we are to contain this outbreak and prevent further spread,” Dr. Tedros said. “Our focus is on strengthening surveillance, enhancing laboratory capacity, and ensuring that vaccines are available where they are needed most.”

Vaccination Efforts and New Cases

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the current outbreak, is preparing to roll out its vaccination program this week, pending the arrival of vaccine doses. Health Minister Gilbert Mokoki confirmed that Congo had recorded two new cases of mpox as of August 22, bringing the country’s total to 21 cases this year. Mokoki noted that 19 of those cases have since been treated and cured.

“Despite the relatively low threat level, we have taken comprehensive measures to contain the outbreak and protect public health,” Mokoki said during a media briefing. He emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in tackling the outbreak and preventing cross-border spread.

In Gabon, authorities confirmed their first mpox case—a 30-year-old man who had recently returned from Uganda. The patient tested positive on August 21 after exhibiting symptoms, and health officials have launched contact tracing efforts. In neighboring countries, the situation is also evolving, with Kenya confirming two new cases, Uganda reporting four, and Nigeria registering 40 infections over the past week. Cases were also reported in Cameroon.

Heightened Surveillance Across the Region

African countries have ramped up surveillance, particularly at border crossings, to monitor potential new cases. The WHO and Africa CDC have reiterated their call for unified action, stressing that regional coordination is crucial to containing the outbreak.

Dr. Moeti summed up the sentiment of the meeting, stating, “We must turn this crisis into an opportunity to build stronger health systems that can swiftly respond to future health emergencies. The investments we make today will determine how well we are prepared tomorrow.”

Mimi Mefo Info