Management of mpox in Africa: Ongoing threat and epidemiological insights

Abstract

The spread of mpox across Africa continues to be a public health threat due to frequent
outbreaks, growing geographic range, virulent new strains and incompetent health systems.
The more outbreaks that are occurring, the more there is a need to have coordinated efforts
that combine epidemiological monitoring, early diagnosis, adequate clinical management,
prevention of infection, vaccination, and community involvement. The epidemiology of mpox
in Africa is explored in this paper, covering transmission dynamics, vulnerable groups, and
causes of the maintenance and spread of the disease. It also reviews existing diagnostic and
treatment methods and interventions in public health undertaken in the affected countries,
and establishes barriers, including low laboratory capacity, weak surveillance system,
vaccine shortages and cross-border transmission. The study also examines the importance of
regional preparedness and response collaboration, One Health approaches and evidence-based
policy-making in enhancing preparedness and outbreak response. There is a strong focus on
building resilient health systems with a speedy, effective containment and sustainable disease
management. The paper culminates a synthesis of recent evidence and public health experience
to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation in Africa regarding the threat
of mpox and presents strategic recommendations to enhance the prevention, surveillance,
clinical management and response preparedness for mpox. The findings are designed to assist
policy makers, health-care providers and researchers towards strengthening coordinated
response to minimize burden of mpox and overall health security in the continent.