The Africa Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has recommended that states on the continent step up efforts to monitor and track cases of monkeypox.
Two days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox an international public health emergency. In a press release on Monday, the African Center for Disease Control pleaded for the consolidation of “ laboratory diagnostic capacities and genomic sequencing capacities ”.
In Europe, where most cases of monkeypox occur, vaccination campaigns are being launched. The Africa CDC is therefore calling on its members to stockpile vaccines and medicines.
In addition, the health body of the African Union (AU) wants governments to develop and disseminate prevention messages to populations, especially vulnerable groups.
According to the latest figures from Africa CDC, 2,031 cases of monkeypox, including 75 fatalities, have been detected in 11 African countries. This represents 12% of infections worldwide.
