Africa's CDC declares mpox a public health emergency
Health & Science
By
AFP
| Aug 13, 2024
The African Union's health watchdog on Tuesday declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent.
The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"With a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, we declare mpox as public health emergency of continental security," Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said during an online media briefing.
"Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent," he said.
According to CDC data as of August 4, there had been 38,465 cases of mpox and 1,456 deaths in Africa since January 2022.
READ MORE
How CS Mbadi's proposed new tax measures will directly affect you
Global real estate investors find sweet spot in alluring Watamu
Why construction sector is vibrant in semi-arid counties
How housing initiative changes lives of widows in Rarieda
KRA surpasses monthly target as October revenue hits Sh210b
Treasury CS spells out plans to lay ground for steady economic growth
How plan to free millions in container deposits will work
Love for fine suits turns pharmacist into fashion designer sensation
The struggles of doing business next to learning institutions
Developer defends use of Jevanjee Gardens' land as collateral for Sh1.9b loan
"This declaration is not merely a formality, it is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat," said Kaseya.