Mpox response:AU Committee Emergency Funds to Africa CDC

Since 2023, Mpox cases have been reported in all five African regions (Central, East, North, South, West) affecting a total of 17 countries: Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, and South Africa.

A strong regional and cross-border approach is necessary to control the outbreak.

The primary modes of contamination are contacts with infected animals or people, mostly through sexual transmission. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, co-infections (e.g., HIV), and malnutrition.

H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed gratitude for the timely support from the PRC. « We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union. This funding will significantly enhance our capacity to lead the response to the Mpox outbreak at continental level and protect the health and well-being of our communities in close collaboration with our member states and key partners such as WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, AfreximBank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, African Development Bank, GAVI, CEPI, Wellcome trust, European Union, United States, MSF, and so many others. »

Africa CDC has already achieved significant milestones in the fight against Mpox. In March 2024, the institution supported the development of a national response plan in the DRC. In April 2024, a high-level Regional Ministerial meeting was held in DRC to adopt a regional approach against this disease. From April to July 2024, readiness assessments were conducted in all affected member states. So far, Africa CDC has distributed 20,000 Mpox RT-PCR kits and ancillary supplies to 44 African Union member states and supported them with training.

H.E. Mohamed Gad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU and Chairperson of the PRC Subcommittee on Budget emphasized the importance of solidarity and collective action. « The PRC is committed to supporting Africa CDC in its mission to combat the Mpox and all other diseases. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can strengthen our health systems and ensure a swift and effective response to public health emergencies across Africa. »

This allocation demonstrates a unified effort to tackle the Mpox outbreak and bolster the continent’s preparedness for future health emergencies. The Africa CDC remains steadfast to working with member states and partners to achieve a healthier and safer Africa.

About Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that supports Member States to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, and prevention of infectious diseases.

About the PRC of the African Union

The Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) is responsible for preparing the work of the African Union’s Executive Council and acting on its instructions. The PRC is vital in implementing decisions and policies to promote peace, security, and stability in Africa.

For further information please contact: 

Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) | E-mail: EdwinM@africacdc.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ms Faith Adhiambo | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Email:  ochiengj@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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