Africa: Africa CDC declaration of Mpox PHECS

In accordance with its mandate to address significant public health threats, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) in Africa on 13 August 2024.The mandate established by the Executive Council of the Africa Union (AU) Assembly authorizes the Africa CDC to coordinate epidemic responses, involving African leaders, governments, and pertinent agencies. The escalating mpox crisis across the continent prompted the declaration. In 2024, there were 17,541 reported cases and 517 deaths across 13 member states, marking a 160% rise in cases and a 19% increase in deaths compared to the corresponding period in 2023. The number of cases in 2023 had already increased by 79% compared to 2022. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accounts for 96% of all cases and 97% of all deaths in 2024.