The African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) has earmarked $10.4 million from COVID-19 funds to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to combat the Mpox outbreak across the continent. This decision was announced on Saturday by the Africa CDC.
The Africa CDC, a key institution supporting African nations in health system strengthening and disease control, will use this funding to enhance efforts in several crucial areas. These include improving Mpox surveillance, increasing laboratory testing and genomic sequencing capabilities, bolstering data collection and analysis, and advancing case management and infection prevention strategies. The funding will also support risk communication, community engagement, and the distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and supplies.
From January to July 2024, Africa has reported 15,074 Mpox cases (2,853 confirmed and 12,221 suspected) and 461 deaths, marking a significant rise from the previous year. The outbreak has affected 17 countries across all five African regions, highlighting the need for a coordinated regional and cross-border response.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed appreciation for the PRC’s support, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing the continent’s capacity to tackle the Mpox outbreak. The funding will bolster ongoing efforts in collaboration with international partners, including WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
Ambassador Mohamed Gad of Egypt, Chairperson of the PRC Subcommittee on Budget, stressed the importance of solidarity and collective action in strengthening health systems and responding effectively to public health emergencies across Africa.
