Africa's mpox crisis: Over 1,000 deaths as outbreak spreads to new countries
Africaʼs mpox outbreak has caused over 1000 deaths‚ affecting 18 nations. Jean Kaseya‚ Africa CDC director‚ warns of cross-border spread and test kit shortages‚ urging international support for the continents response efforts
Jean Kaseya‚ Africa CDC director‚ recently stated that mpox-related deaths in Africa have gone past 1000. This disease which belongs to the smallpox family‚ has been causing problems in 18 African countries (out of 55)
In a week‚ 50 more people died from mpox bringing the total to 1100. Kaseya said‚ “We are still fighting with this outbreak“ He thinks the situation is getting out of hand and needs quick action
The virus causes symptoms like fever chills and body aches. In worse cases‚ people get lesions on their face hands chest and private parts. Kaseya is worried about the disease spreading across borders and the lack of quick test kits
We donʼt want to see all African countries affected
Africa CDC and WHO have a six-month plan that needs almost $600 million. 55% of this money is for helping 14 countries with mpox and getting 15 others ready. Kaseya wants partners to quickly turn their promises into real money
Recently:
- Zambia and Zimbabwe found their first mpox cases
- Kenya had its first mpox death
- Uganda found a case in a prison
Since early 2022‚ Africa has had:
- 42‚438 possible mpox cases
- 8‚113 confirmed cases
When mpox became a big problem in 2022‚ rich countries got vaccines fast. Africa got less help even though its governments asked for more. In August 2022‚ WHO said Africaʼs mpox outbreaks were a global health emergency‚ with Congo being the main problem area
Now‚ Rwanda and Congo have started giving mpox shots. But the fight against this disease in Africa is far from over
