“The current upsurge of Mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa, but for the entire globe,” said World Health Organization (WHO) committee chair Dimie Ogoina, as the WHO declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency on 14 August. “Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”

Historically confined to Central and West Africa, the Mpox virus is expanding its geographic reach, causing a global epidemic in more than 100 non-endemic countries, with new cases reported in countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda due to its spread from the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Despite the dire situation, Africa’s first batch of mpox vaccines will this week finally reach the continent, weeks after they have been made available in other parts of the world.

 

What is Mpox and how does it spread?

Usually marked by a painful skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and fever, Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a historically neglected zoonotic viral disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. Zoonotic diseases are caused by pathogens (i.e. virus, bacteria, or other parasites) which can jump from one species to another, for example from animals to humans or vice versa. 

There are two distinct genetic clades, or varieties, of MPXV: Clade I (formerly Central African type) associated with higher case mortality rates (around 10%), and Clade II (formerly West African type), the cause of the 2022 outbreaks and far less deadly, with a fatality rate of less than 1%.

The recent outbreak has been fuelled by a new variant of the Clade I virus, known as Clade Ib, which is believed to be more severe or transmissible, prompting the declaration of a public health emergency. 

Historically, zoonosis has been the primary driver of Mpox infections in humans, however, during the 2022 epidemic, more than 90% of infections were linked to secondary transmission (i.e., through person-to-person contact), mainly through sexual contact among men who have sex with men.

It’s important to note that the disease can also spread through other types of person-to-person contact, including contact with infected individuals’ lesions and/or with contaminated materials, such as beddings, clothing, eating utensils etc. Those at high risks of contracting Mpox include individuals exposed to infected persons, caregivers, health care workers, people who handle wild animals, laboratory technicians, children, pregnant women, as well as people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.

 

Another case of inequities in vaccine availability

Despite having the highest number of deaths and cases, the DRC’s efforts to contain Mpox have been severely hindered by a lack of vaccines. While the Global North rapidly stockpiled Mpox vaccines, only a fraction was allocated to the DRC, where over 99 million people are at risk. This inequity and disturbing lack of solidarity and action is particularly tragic as Mpox is spreading rapidly throughout the country, affecting people of all ages, including children. The difficulty of obtaining and affording vaccines in African countries highlights the systemic inequity in access to essential medical resources for emerging diseases on the continent. This was also evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Africa faced similar challenges in securing vaccines.

 

A call for collaborative action

Political leaders pointed out, on numerous occasions during the Covid-19 pandemic, that collaboration is the key to addressing pandemic threats. For instance, ahead of the G20 Riyadh Declaration in November 2020, “EU leaders called on the G20 to uphold and deepen its commitment to fight the COVID-19 crisis, notably by ensuring the affordable and equitable access for all people of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines”. 

The Mpox case is no different. Only through immediate collaborative action can Mpox be contained. Germany donating 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from its military stocks is a crucial step to help contain the outbreak on the African continent, but a lot more help is needed.

We support the Spanish government’s call to action. In addition to donating 500,000 doses of the mpox vaccine, or 20% of its stockpile, they suggest that the European Commission propose that all EU member states donate 20% of their respective stock of the vaccine. 

Governments in high income countries need to act now.

 

Written by: Corinna Pannofino, Trilateral Research, with contributions from Dr Joshua Kimani, Partners for Health & Development in Africa, and Prof. Doris Schroeder, UCLan Cyprus.

 

Courtesy of: https://prepared-project.eu/mpox-how-a-neglected-epidemic-became-a-public-health-emergency/

 

Doris Kuzma

Member

Doris Kuzma is a seasoned Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 25 years of experience in financial management, administration, and project leadership. She has played a pivotal role in the strategic and financial oversight of major international projects, collaborating with universities, governments, NGOs, and global institutions. As the Director of Administration and Finance at the Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Doris has overseen complex multi-location projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her expertise spans financial reporting, strategic planning, contract negotiations, and budget management. In her extensive career, Doris has been instrumental in driving financial strategies, improving administrative systems, and ensuring compliance with international funding agencies. Doris is recognized for her leadership in financial governance, her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, and her commitment to advancing public health through sound financial management.

Wanjiru Angela Nduati

Member

Wanjiru Angela Nduati is a qualified Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours degree from the University of Leicester, UK, and has advanced certifications in trust creation law, company law, and trustee investment law. Wanjiru’s career includes pivotal roles in both legal practice and corporate governance. She is the Co-founder and managing partner of Havelock, Nduati & Company Advocates, she specializes in trusts, estate planning, and property structuring. With over two decades of experience, she held pivotal roles including Head of Governance & Control at Barclays Consumer Banking and Group Company Secretary & Legal Counsel at Barclays Bank of Kenya. Wanjiru is highly regarded for her expertise in legal practice and corporate governance, playing a pivotal role in shaping legal and financial strategies for individuals and institutions.