IPPF Africa Region’s Post

🔴 The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the surge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several African countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). ❗ IPPF is deeply concerned about this development and stands in solidarity with the affected communities. This rapid spread of a new mpox strain underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response. We call on international partners to mobilize resources and support efforts to curb this outbreak, ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and care. IPPF will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/dN45XXQM

Independent experts appointed by the World Health Organization will meet virtually on Wednesday to help decide whether the #mpox outbreak in #Africa is a global public health emergency. The committee will advise #WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether mpox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (#PHEIC) and what recommendations he should issue to manage the spread of the #disease. https://lnkd.in/euParN9x

As the #Mpox crisis continues to escalate across #Africa, with over 37,000 cases and 1,451 deaths reported, AMREF is stepping up to combat this public health emergency. Our comprehensive response includes strengthening surveillance, enhancing vaccine access, and working closely with governments and communities to break the chain of transmission.   We are committed to ensuring that vaccine equity remains a priority, preventing a repeat of the COVID-19 experience. The fight against Mpox is urgent, and we call on the international community, African governments, and local organisations to join us in this critical effort.   Read our full position statement and learn more about our interventions here: https://lnkd.in/dhS3n9jZ #AmrefMpoxFacts #Mpox World Health Organization Africa CDC Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CNBC BBC News CNBC Africa Al Jazeera Media Network CNN Dr. Githinji Gitahi

WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Global Health Emergency: A Call to Action In a decisive move, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding African nations a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The alarming spread of a new virus strain through sexual networks demands immediate international collaboration. WHO is spearheading efforts to scale up vaccine distribution, secure funding, and coordinate a robust global response. Join the fight to contain this crisis—stay informed and support global health initiatives. #GlobalHealth #PublicHealthEmergency #MpoxOutbreak #HealthSecurity #WHO #VaccineDistribution #HealthEquity #InternationalHealth #CrisisResponse #HealthcareLeadership #DiseasePrevention #HealthAwareness #SupportGlobalHealth #EmergencyPreparedness

The WHO has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, highlighting the alarming outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has spread to at least 13 other African countries. With a staggering 160% increase in cases and a 19% rise in deaths across Africa compared to 2023, this situation demands global attention. Despite initial declarations in 2022, Africa did not receive the critical support it needed, and the current upsurge is a stark reminder that more decisive action is required to prevent history from repeating itself. As we navigate this new wave, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared. Vaccines, public health initiatives, and global cooperation are more important than ever. Let's ensure we're not overlooking any region in our fight against this disease. Read more! #PublicHealth #Mpox #GlobalHealth #WHO #Africa #HealthEquity #Vaccines

Upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns regarding the spread of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, in Africa. The WHO declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024 due to a new, dangerous strain affecting countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This new strain, linked to Clade I, has a high case fatality rate. Africa has reported over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths this year, including in countries previously unaffected. The WHO and Africa CDC are urging a coordinated global response, emphasizing the urgent need for vaccines and treatments in the region. However, scarce resources and delivery challenges pose significant obstacles. Efforts are underway to secure vaccines, but delivering them to vulnerable populations in areas with limited public health infrastructure remains a challenge. The situation underscores the critical necessity of international cooperation to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. Sources: American News, WHO, Nature web.

#The latest WHO AFRO Weekly Bulletin (#week24) highlights several public health emergencies in Africa: #Mpox Resurgence in South Africa: Cases without recent travel history suggest local transmission of Mpox. Investigations are ongoing to identify the source and prevent further spread. Since January 2024, seven African countries have reported Mpox, with a total of 8,479 cases and 401 deaths as of June 14, 2024. Notably, 97% of these cases are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. #Measles Outbreak in Namibia: A measles outbreak in the Erongo Region underscores gaps in vaccination coverage. Targeted vaccination campaigns are planned to address this. #Dengue Epidemic in Cabo Verde: The ongoing dengue epidemic has seen a recent surge in new cases. Laboratory surveillance of the dengue virus shows that among confirmed cases, serotyping identified DENV-3 as the predominant circulating serotype, accounting for approximately 95%, while the others were DENV-1. This information is crucial for guiding public health interventions. Health authorities are ramping up vector control measures. This bulletin provides a snapshot of critical public health issues in Africa. For more details, refer to the full WHO AFRO report. #Mpox #Measles #Dengue https://lnkd.in/eECtpJQr

The Africa CDC has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS)→ Here is what that means I had the opportunity to join Dr. Jean Kaseya‘s briefing to discuss the current situation on Mpox. How did we get here? —————————— Current Impact → The first half of 2024 alone saw over 15,000 cases and 461 deaths → a 160% increase from the same period last year. Escalation Due to Clade 1b → This outbreak, linked initially to Clade 1, has escalated with the emergence of Clade 1b. → This variant is particularly concerning because of its increased transmissibility, primarily through routine close contact. → It’s affecting neighboring countries beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the outbreak began. Why Declare PHECS❓ ——————————— 1️⃣ Legal Authority and Framework → The authority to declare a PHEIC was granted by the African Union. → This declaration unlocks resources and triggers a continent-wide response. 2️⃣International Support → The Africa CDC’s declaration paves the way for global partners to mobilize support more effectively. → It may pave the way for the World Health Organization to upscale the delivery of more doses of Mpox vaccines. → The continent has less than 10% of the Mpox vaccine requirement. 3️⃣Public Health Interventions → The declaration also calls for enhanced surveillance, rapid response, and stronger public health measures across the continent. → These efforts aim to protect the most vulnerable populations, including children and immunocompromised individuals. Future ❓ → This declaration could set a precedent for managing continental health emergencies. → It emphasizes the need for proactive measures and international collaboration to prevent and mitigate such outbreaks. The Africa CDC’s action underscores the gravity of the Mpox outbreak and the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding public health across the continent The World Health Organization organization is also expected to assess whether the situation requires a declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) Cc: Dr Ebere Okereke , Nicaise Ndembi #Mpox #AfricaCDC #HealthSecurity #Clade1b #Vaccines #WHO

The Africa CDC today made its first ever declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (#PHECS). The DRC is the epicenter of the mpox epidemic, which has now spread to 16 African countries. Sexual and household transmissions are of particular concern, as is the pediatric cases & deaths. The regional emergency declaration shows an empowered Africa taking control of its own destiny. I welcome African unity & an effective response. The African Union has pledged $10 million in unspent COVID funds. USG must step up with with funding & vaccines. If Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declares a World Health Organization PHEIC this week, it must mobilize funding and a coordinated response based on equity and solidarity. It would be the first test of the IHR, especially its new core principle of equity. And don't discount the possibility of pandemic potential. The efficient sexual transmission poses a serious risk. If this mpox outbreak spills over to Europe, it will quickly spread globally including the US. We can't afford selfishness and complacency. We need unity and solidarity with our African brothers and sisters. @_AfricanUnion has pledged $10m of unspent COVID funds. USG must step up w/ vaccines 16 countries