A Crisis That Hasn’t Gone Away
Mpox may have faded from global headlines, but in Africa the virus is still spreading. In 2025, 24 African countries are battling outbreaks — nearly double the number from last year, according to the Africa CDC.
“You see the agony the patient goes through. It’s on another level,” says Caroline Mugun, a nurse in Mombasa, Kenya.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter, driven by the emergence of clade 1b, a new strain spreading rapidly among vulnerable populations, including sex workers.
The Numbers: Cases and Deaths Rising
- 97,000+ suspected cases in Africa this year.
- Nearly 600 deaths, though experts say the real numbers are much higher.
Dr. Anne Rimoin of UCLA Fielding School of Public Health warns that stigma, conflict zones, and weak health systems mean many cases go unreported.
“We are walking blind.” — Dr. Chris Beyrer, Duke Global Health Institute
Funding Gaps and Delayed Vaccine Rollout
Despite $1.1 billion pledged globally, vaccine access in Africa has been slow. Only 886,000 people have been vaccinated in a dozen countries, far below the Africa CDC’s target of 10 million doses by the end of 2025.
Pledges have fallen short. For example, the U.S. promised 1 million doses in 2024 — but only 90,000 arrived. Many doses are now near expiration.
Dr. Yap Boum of Epicentre MSF calls this a “huge loss” both financially and for public health.
A Political and Economic Challenge
Conflict in eastern DRC, reduced global health funding, and logistical hurdles have all undermined containment efforts.
Dr. Boghuma Titanji of Emory University says:
“For every two steps forward, there have been three steps backwards.”
Some Progress Amid the Struggle
Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya points to progress:
- 17 African countries now approve the mpox vaccine.
- Laboratory capacity has grown — Burundi went from 2 testing labs to 56 in one year.
- Coordination between African nations is stronger than ever.
Why the World Should Care
Diseases ignored abroad can quickly cross borders. Rimoin warns:
“We’ve been lucky so far. I don’t know how long our luck will hold.”
If mpox becomes entrenched, it could be harder — and costlier — to control.
Have Your Say
We’re collecting public opinions on the mpox crisis and global response.
📩 Email your thoughts to admin@icaepa.org.