Nairobi, Kenya. August 14, 2024 Yesterday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared a public health emergency in response to a rapidly escalating MPox outbreak across Africa. The declaration aims to improve coordination and efficiency of the response, address the limited diagnostic capabilities, and ensure equitable distribution of the currently limited vaccine supply.
Dr. Jean Kaseya stated, “Africa CDC declares a public health emergency of Continental security in close consultation with affected Member States and appropriate relevant stakeholders. This declaration is a call to action and we must be proactive and eliminate this threat. Mpox is a global threat that knows no boundaries. It is a virus that exploits our vulnerabilities, playing on our weakest point.” Dr. Kaseya added “It is in this moment of vulnerability that we must find our greatest strength and demonstrate that we are all learning from the COVID-19 lesson, and we are playing solidarity.” The declaration was supported unanimously by all 16 committee members of the Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) that was led by Professor Salim Abdul Karim, and set up to advise the Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya on whether to declare Mpox as a public health emergency of continental security.
Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF), a fundraising arm of Africa CDC, is well prepared for the Mpox emergency response. During COVID-19, APHF was able to raise over USD 28 Million which was essential in tackling the pandemic for contact testing & tracing, vaccines, support of Community Health Workers, provision of protecting clothing and logistics in the various African Union member states. With the great working mechanism with Africa CDC in enabling investments in public health, we are ready to provide emergency response for the current Mpox outbreak.
During the Press briefing yesterday, Dr. Jean Kaseya mentioned that they are looking to spend around USD 4 Billion to fight the MPox outbreak. With a funding goal of this magnitude, the Foundation is calling on donors, partners, and other stakeholders to contribute urgently to this cause. The experience and investment infrastructure we have built overtime as a Foundation, has uniquely positioned us to take swift and effective action in response to the MPox emergency.
“The public health announcement by Africa CDC highlights the gravity of the MPox outbreak and the critical need for immediate financial support,” said Dr. Francisco Songane, Interim CEO, APHF. “Our previous successes in combating COVID-19 demonstrated our capacity to effectively contribute to the management of a pandemic. We are ready to deploy the same expertise and commitment to tackle this current challenge. However, we urgently need the support of donors and partners at large to mobilize the necessary resources.” According to Professor Salim Abdul Karim, there are far more cases now than there were when the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern in the year 2022. The number of cases in Africa has now more than tripled within the period.
MPox, a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, has shown a troubling increase in cases and poses a significant threat to public health across Africa. The $4 billion funding requirement will be crucial in providing necessary resources, including medical treatment, containment measures, and public health education, to effectively combat the outbreak.
The Africa Public Health Foundation appeals to donors to contribute generously to this critical effort. We have mechanisms already in place to facilitate this process already tested during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and proved to be effective. Every donation will make a difference in saving lives and protecting communities from the devastating impacts of MPox.
Africa CDC Press Release here
Note to the Editors
About the Africa Public Health Foundation
The Africa Public Health Foundation exists to forge partnerships and mobilise resources and investments for critical African public health initiatives in support of the Africa CDC and African Union’s New Public Health Order. For more information and to sign up for APHF’s newsletter, please visit http://www.aphf.africa.
Media Contacts
For Africa Public Health Foundation
Eunice Chege
Communications Lead
echege@aphf.africa
