The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed progress in Africa’s fight against mpox, one year after it was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO said coordinated efforts among governments, health institutions and communities had reduced the spread of the virus. Over 174,000 suspected cases and nearly 50,000 confirmed infections have been reported across 28 African countries, with about 240 deaths.
Nigeria’s role in regional response aligns with its strong trade relations, especially crude oil exports, with Côte d’Ivoire and Angola. Officials said health cooperation complements economic ties, underscoring the need for shared responsibility in crises.
Côte d’Ivoire has recorded no new cases for 42 consecutive days, while Angola has gone more than 90 days without infections. Both countries remain significant partners in Nigeria’s oil trade, yet are also part of the continental coalition to curb mpox.
“Our collective efforts have been crucial in strengthening measures for an effective response,” said Dr. Patrick Otim, Programme Manager, Emergency Response at WHO Africa. He stressed that rapid detection, vaccination, and community engagement must be sustained.
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Professor Yap Boum, Deputy Continental Incident Manager for Africa CDC, noted that efficient resource use is essential. “With limited resources, there is a critical need to be more efficient, which means working as one team, with one plan, budget and monitoring framework,” he explained.
Health experts said Nigeria’s economic exchanges with Côte d’Ivoire and Angola show the interdependence of African nations, especially when addressing public health emergencies. Ethics demand that trade benefits must also translate into stronger health systems across borders.
Since August 2024, WHO has supported countries with vaccine deployment. Thirteen of the 22 countries with active transmission have rollout plans, while eight are already vaccinating high-risk groups. Nigeria continues to receive doses through this framework.
READ MORE: https://www.afro.who.int/news/sustaining-efforts-end-mpox-outbreaks-africa
Challenges persist, including vaccine shortages, funding gaps and stigma discouraging treatment. Conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has also disrupted regional efforts.
Dr. Otim said WHO’s priorities include expanding surveillance, integrating mpox response into broader health programs, and securing more funds. “It is critical to sustain what works,” he emphasized.
Observers argue that the ethical test for Nigeria and its partners is not only in trading oil but also in sharing responsibility for public health security. Sustained cooperation, they said, will determine Africa’s resilience against mpox.