The WHO has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the Mpox outbreak, with a new lethal strain, "clade 1b," spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. Since 2022, 37.583 cases and 1.451 deaths from Mpox have been recorded in Africa alone.

With the advance of this new strain, especially in regions where access to healthcare is limited, concerns are growing about the ability of affected countries to control the spread of the disease. Lack of resources and low community awareness are exacerbating the situation, exposing the most vulnerable populations to even greater risks.

In Angola and Mozambique, the situation is no different. Despite the efforts of health authorities, misinformation and cultural practices, such as unprotected sex and bushmeat consumption, continue to defy public health recommendations, hindering efforts to stop the spread of Mpox.

New Mpox Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak, which emerged in Africa, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting the seriousness of the situation, especially with the emergence of new variants of the virus that have shown a worrying capacity for spread and lethality.

The current outbreak has deep roots in Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin, and is testing the health infrastructure of several countries already facing significant challenges in other areas.

Mpox is not a new phenomenon, but its reemergence, with more lethal and transmissible strains, highlights the weaknesses of health systems in Africa and the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response.

Since 2022, the virus has shown a dramatic increase in the number of cases and deaths, which has prompted the WHO to implement a large-scale emergency plan, with a budget of 120 million euros for the next six months.

This plan aims not only to contain the spread of the virus, but also to ensure that responses are equitable, respectful of human rights, and involving all stakeholders, from governments to local communities.

The situation is particularly alarming in the DRC, where a new strain, identified as "clade 1b," has caused a significant number of deaths, especially among children. This lethal variant of the virus stands out for its high mortality rate and ability to cause widespread rashes, making it an even greater threat compared to previous strains.

The spread to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, and Rwanda reinforces the urgency of a concerted international response to prevent a larger public health crisis.

Global Emergency

The statement reflects the seriousness of the outbreak, which has already reached pandemic proportions and has already spread beyond the African continent, with more than 99.176 reported cases and nearly 1.500 deaths in 116 countries this year alone.

At this time, outside Africa, 80% of reported cases were in the United States of America: 33.191, in Brazil: 11.212, in Spain: 8.084, in France: 4.272, in Colombia: 4.249, in Mexico: 4.124, in the United Kingdom: 3.952, in Germany: 3.857 and in Peru: 3.875. In total, cases were reported in 116 countries, including also, to a residual extent, in Asia.

The Mpox Virus

The Mpox virus is divided into two distinct clades: clade I and clade II. Clade I, more virulent and lethal, is endemic in the Congo Basin of Central Africa, while clade II is endemic in West Africa. The new strain, clade 1b, recently emerged in the DRC and has shown alarming propagation and lethality, especially among children.

The high mortality rate, which can reach 10% among those infected, puts additional pressure on the region's already fragile health systems. The spread of clade 1b to neighboring countries is a clear sign that the situation could easily spiral out of control if urgent measures are not taken.

Health infrastructure in many of these countries is limited and already overwhelmed by other endemic diseases, such as malaria and HIV/AIDS. Response capacity is therefore a significant challenge that requires not only the mobilization of financial resources but also the strengthening of local capacities for disease detection, treatment, and prevention.

The WHO estimates that the $120 million made available to address the acute phase of the outbreak over the next six months is crucial to fund surveillance, preparedness, and response to the virus, especially in regions where health systems are fragile.

However, the need for financing may increase as the situation evolves and new needs arise, underlining the importance of a flexible and adaptable approach in responding to the crisis.

The international response must also be guided by the principles of equity and global solidarity. It is essential that all countries, regardless of their economic capacity, have access to the resources necessary to combat Mpox.

This includes vaccines, antiviral treatments, and technical support to strengthen local response capacities. WHO has reinforced the importance of working in partnership with international agencies, civil society, researchers, and manufacturers to ensure an effective and coordinated global response.

Combating Mpox in Africa

The disease, which manifests with rashes all over the body, is especially dangerous for young people who are less resistant to serious infections.

In the DRC, more than 85% of recorded deaths occurred in children under 15 years of age infected with clade 1b, which represents a significant challenge for health authorities and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable populations.

The response to the Mpox outbreak in the DRC and other affected African countries has been hampered by a lack of vaccines and antiviral treatments. Although safe vaccines and effective treatments are available, their distribution across the African continent has been limited.

Many African Union member states lack access to these essential tools, increasing the risk of the virus spreading and associated mortality. The WHO and other international organizations have been working to ensure that vaccines and treatments reach the countries that need them most, but logistical and financial challenges remain significant obstacles.

Furthermore, educating communities about the disease and prevention methods is essential to prevent further outbreaks. Lack of information in affected communities is one of the main challenges in the fight against Mpox, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.

The Situation in Mozambique

The situation in Mozambique is another case that illustrates the difficulties faced by many African countries in preparing for an Mpox outbreak. The National Health System is unprepared to deal with a potential outbreak, and community education about the disease is insufficient.

The lack of institutional capacity to respond to a health crisis of this magnitude places the country in a vulnerable position, where an Mpox outbreak could have devastating consequences. The Mozambican government, like others in the region, is aware of the risk posed by Mpox and has taken measures to strengthen surveillance and prevention.

However, preparing for a large-scale outbreak requires more than isolated actions. A coordinated and comprehensive effort involving all levels of government, civil society, and local communities is needed to ensure the country is prepared to respond effectively to the Mpox threat.

The Situation in Angola

Bushmeat consumption is common in many parts of Africa, including Angola, where bushmeat is prized by many communities. However, this practice has been associated with significant public health risks, particularly with the emergence of Mpox.

The Angolan Ministry of Health has advised against eating meat from monkeys and rodents, which are known reservoirs of the virus, but adherence to these recommendations has been limited.

At Mercado do 30 in Luanda, game meat continues to be widely consumed, with many vendors and consumers disregarding health warnings. Lack of information and the belief that game meat is healthier and more natural than other food options are factors contributing to the persistence of this practice.

Vendors selling smoked game meat dismiss the risks associated with eating wild game meat, reflecting a lack of knowledge about the potential health consequences.

Lack of Oversight in Angola

The sale and consumption of bushmeat in Angola is also facilitated by the lack of effective oversight and regulation. Meat is often handled and stored in poor conditions, without the necessary hygiene measures to prevent contamination.

This situation increases the risk of transmission of emerging regional diseases like Mpox, especially in areas where contact with wild animals is common. Monkey meat, in particular, is viewed with caution in some markets, but there is still significant demand for this type of meat, posing an additional risk for the spread of Mpox.

The lack of registered cases of Mpox in Angola so far may lead to a false sense of security, but health authorities have warned that the country must continue to adopt epidemiological surveillance measures to prevent the entry and spread of the virus.

The response of health authorities in Angola has focused on educating the population and implementing preventive measures, such as recommending avoiding the consumption of bushmeat.

However, adherence to these measures is limited, highlighting the need for greater awareness and involvement of local communities. Knowledge transmission and the implementation of food safety practices are essential to prevent the spread of Mpox and other similar diseases in the country.

Conclusion

The challenge is enormous, but with an effective and coordinated response, it is possible to mitigate the impact of MPOX and protect the most vulnerable populations. In the PALOP countries, in our case, but also in other African countries, it is essential to continue strengthening health systems, educating communities about the risks, and implementing preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

What do you think of this MPox crisis? Will we have another global pandemic? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.

See also:

Monkeypox: Africa on Alert

South Africa Records 3rd Smallpox Death

Uganda Teams Up With Botswana to Manufacture Vaccines

Monkeypox: New smallpox pandemic in sight

The most dangerous animal on planet Earth, evolved