AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today praised the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for its strong leadership in declaring Mpox a public health emergency of continental security and working to secure millions of vaccines to mitigate the spread. This declaration underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle the increasing threat of the Mpox virus across Africa.

“We commend the Africa CDC for taking the lead in declaring Mpox a public health emergency of continental security, recognizing the significant threat the virus poses to public health across the continent," said Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief. "This declaration serves as a call to action for governments and health organizations and is a reminder of the importance of global solidarity in combating emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it positions the continent to respond quickly to mitigate the spread and secure essential medical supplies, diagnostics, and vaccines to support an adequate response.”

There have been nearly 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases and more than 500 deaths reported in more than a dozen African Union countries this year alone, according to Health Policy Watch. The deadly Mpox outbreak, which causes flu-like symptoms and lesions, began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and consists of multiple variants, including the newer Clade Ib—which appears to spread more easily, particularly among children.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 2 million clients in 47 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare

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