Cases of mpox are increasing in Africa, notably due to a new strain of the virus, more deadly and more transmissible, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, reported that 50 new deaths were recorded over the past week, bringing the total to 1,100 deaths. This epidemic currently affects 18 of 55 African countries.
“We continue to fight this epidemic,” said Mr. Kaseya, emphasizing the urgency of acting quickly to prevent mpox from spreading further to other African countries. He also urged international partners to deliver on their pledges of financial support.
The six-month action plan developed by Africa CDC and the World Health Organization, valued at $600 million, devotes 55% of this budget to the fight against mpox in 14 already affected countries.
Zambia and Zimbabwe recently reported their first cases, while Kenya recorded its first death linked to the disease.
Health
