Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Africa CDC’s declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13, 2024, followed by the WHO’s Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) the next day. As we reflect on this milestone, the sobering truth is clear: both declarations remain firmly in effect, extended into 2025 amid persistent transmission, particularly across Africa.
The Current Landscape: A Pressing Challenge
Mpox continues to spread, driven by the highly transmissible clade Ib and clade IIb variants. As of August 2025, 27 African countries have reported cases, with approximately 174,597 infections and 1,922 deaths since 2024. The epidemic now affects at least 13 countries with the virulent clade I strain, while travel-associated cases have emerged in over 20 countries globally, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and the United States, underscoring the ongoing international risk.
New outbreaks have been detected in some countries raising fresh concerns. The WHO’s recent Emergency Committee meetings have consistently reaffirmed the PHEIC status, emphasizing the continued need for coordinated responses, enhanced surveillance, and equitable vaccine access.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter, accounting for 69% of all vaccinated individuals on the continent. While recent months have shown a decrease in the number of reported cases compared to the peak in May 2025, this trend should be interpreted with caution given ongoing surveillance challenges and potential under-reporting. From my own experience responding to this outbreak in South Kivu, DRC, where clade Ib was first detected, I have seen first-hand how fragile health systems, logistical hurdles, and community dynamics can shape the trajectory of such a complex epidemic. These realities reinforce the necessity of sustained, well-resourced, and locally adapted interventions to curb transmission at its source.
Key Challenges Persisting
The outbreak continues to face significant obstacles including surveillance and testing gaps, especially in conflict-affected regions like eastern DRC, and vaccine shortages. Under-reporting among vulnerable populations, including children and people living with HIV, remains a critical concern, while the emergence of multiple clades is complicating containment strategies across the continent.
Progress and Hope Amid the Fight
Despite formidable challenges, there have been notable gains in the battle against mpox. More than 3.1 million vaccine doses have been distributed across affected African countries, bolstering protection for high-risk populations. The updated Africa CDC–WHO Continental Response Plan 2.0, set to conclude in August 2025, places a strong emphasis on sustainable integration of mpox preparedness and response into national health systems, a critical step toward long-term resilience.
In the DRC, diagnostic capacity has expanded significantly, enabling faster detection and more targeted interventions. International support from partners including Canada, the European Union, Gavi, and the United States continues to reinforce national and regional response capabilities through funding, technical expertise, and vaccine supply.
This anniversary – marked by a contraction in global funding – is more than a date on the calendar; it is a resounding call to action. While mpox may no longer dominate headlines, its impact remains deeply felt, particularly in fragile and humanitarian settings. Confronting this threat demands unwavering commitment, equity-driven strategies, and genuine global solidarity to ensure today’s gains become the foundation for ultimately eliminating mpox as a public health emergency. As we observe this somber milestone, we must prioritize vaccine access where the burden is heaviest, strengthen surveillance, testing, and case management, and advocate for sustainable funding and long-term health system resilience. The fight against mpox is far from over- and our resolve must match the scale of the challenge.
Elvis TAMBE