Adedokun Waliyu 
Africa is no longer under a regional public health emergency for mpox, although the viral disease remains endemic in some areas, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced.
The declaration was made on Saturday by Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya, following earlier guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which said in September that mpox was no longer a global health emergency. The WHO had declared a worldwide emergency in August 2024 after a dual outbreak, largely concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to Kaseya, Africa lifted its emergency status due to improved disease detection, better treatment, and the rollout of more than five million mpox vaccines across 16 countries since 2024. These efforts led to a 60 percent drop in confirmed cases between early and late 2025, while the death rate among infected patients fell from 2.6 percent to 0.6 percent.
He stressed, however, that the decision does not mean mpox has been eliminated from the continent. Instead, it marks a shift from emergency response to a sustained, country-led strategy aimed at long-term control and eventual elimination.
“Mpox remains endemic in several settings, and continued vigilance, targeted investment and innovation will be essential to consolidate gains and prevent resurgence,” Kaseya said.
WHO data shows that 78 percent of global mpox cases were recorded in Africa, with the DRC, Guinea and Madagascar being the most affected countries.
