In response to the ongoing spread of mpox, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have unveiled an updated joint plan aimed at curbing the disease's progression. This revised strategy emphasizes outbreak control, vaccine distribution expansion, and a shift toward sustainable long-term measures. Mpox, a viral illness primarily transmitted through close contact, manifests with painful skin lesions, fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Historically considered a zoonotic disease, it has increasingly demonstrated human-to-human transmission tendencies. Since 2022, a variant known as clade IIb has spread globally, while clade Ib emerged in late 2023, further complicating efforts. By August 2024, the virus had expanded from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighboring regions and beyond, prompting both continental and international emergency declarations.

Since its emergence, mpox has evolved into a significant public health challenge, particularly within Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the epicenter of the outbreak, receiving substantial regional and global support. In response, the Africa CDC and WHO devised a comprehensive plan encompassing ten critical areas: coordination, risk communication, surveillance, laboratory capacity, clinical management, infection prevention, vaccination, research, logistics, and maintaining essential health services. Vaccination campaigns have administered over 650,000 doses across six countries, predominantly in the DRC. Diagnostic testing capabilities in the DRC have also seen significant improvements, expanding from two laboratories in late 2023 to 23 across 12 provinces today. These advancements reflect a concerted effort to combat the disease effectively.

Despite these achievements, several challenges persist. Ongoing conflict and insecurity in eastern DRC, coupled with reduced humanitarian aid, continue to hinder public health responses and restrict access to vital services. Additionally, funding gaps amounting to over US$ 220 million remain unmet. The updated Continental Response Plan seeks to address these issues by intensifying efforts to manage outbreaks and integrating mpox management into routine health services. WHO’s revised global strategic plan complements this initiative, aiming to reduce and, where possible, halt human-to-human transmission.

Collaboration between Africa CDC, WHO, national governments, local communities, and partners is crucial in curbing mpox transmission and fostering long-term resilience within public health systems. As cases continue to emerge worldwide, coordinated strategies are essential in addressing this evolving health crisis. With renewed focus and resources, there is hope for effective containment and management of mpox, ensuring global health security.