The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially labeled monkeypox a “public health emergency of continental security.”
This urgent declaration follows the swift spread of a new variant of the virus, Clade Ib, which has led to over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the start of the year.
Monkeypox, a viral infection transmitted through close contact, often presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While many cases are mild, the Clade Ib variant, which spreads rapidly through routine close contact, including among children, can be severe and potentially fatal.
Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, made the announcement during an online briefing on Tuesday.
He voiced deep concern about the virus’s impact, stating, “With a heavy heart and unwavering dedication to our people and African citizens, we declare monkeypox a public health emergency of continental security. The virus has crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, disrupting families, and causing widespread pain and suffering.”
Monkeypox has also spread to several other African nations, including Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda, prompting the Africa CDC to implement urgent measures to curb its spread and address its effects on public health across the continent.
