The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared an end to the mpox public health emergency after recording a significant decline in cases and fatalities across the continent.
In a statement released on Monday, the continental health agency reported that suspected mpox cases had fallen by 40%, while confirmed cases declined by 60%. The fatality rate associated with the viral disease has also reduced sharply, marking a major turnaround in Africa’s response to the outbreak.
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024 after infections surged rapidly across several African countries. At the peak of the outbreak, the continent recorded more than 80,000 suspected cases and 1,340 deaths, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for the majority of infections and fatalities.
Africa CDC acknowledged that the early stages of the outbreak exposed deep vulnerabilities within the continent’s health systems. Limited access to vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatment options left many countries struggling to contain the spread of the virus, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
In response to the escalating crisis, Africa CDC coordinated a continent-wide intervention aimed at strengthening preparedness and response capacities. According to the agency, more than US$1 billion was mobilised to support national health systems. Community-based surveillance was reinforced to improve early detection, while laboratory and genomic sequencing capacity was expanded to better track transmission patterns and viral mutations.
The centre also facilitated the delivery of over five million doses of mpox vaccines to 16 African countries, prioritising high-risk populations and outbreak hotspots. In addition, Africa CDC advanced joint research initiatives involving thousands of scientists and public health experts across the continent, helping to generate evidence-based strategies for outbreak control.
“These collective efforts have played a critical role in reducing the number of new infections and saving lives,” the centre stated.
The decision to revoke the emergency status followed recommendations from Africa CDC’s Emergency Consultative Group. The agency described the move as a milestone that reflects stronger coordination, improved preparedness, and enhanced collaboration among African Union member states.
“With the emergency phase over, Africa CDC is shifting focus to long-term control and eventual elimination,” the statement said. The agency announced plans to roll out a new Mpox Transition Roadmap designed to help countries sustain robust surveillance systems, maintain vaccination programmes, and strengthen research capacity.
The roadmap will also contribute to broader efforts aimed at improving health security and epidemic preparedness across Africa.
However, Africa CDC cautioned that mpox has not been fully eradicated. The virus remains present in some regions, and the agency urged countries to maintain vigilance, particularly through sustained surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and continued public awareness.
Public health experts say the progress achieved demonstrates the importance of regional solidarity, timely investment, and coordinated action in tackling infectious disease threats on the continent.
