Africa Records 58% Decline in Mpox Cases, But CDC Warns of Emerging Outbreaks

Significant Progress in Disease Control Efforts

In a promising development for public health across the continent, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported a dramatic 58% decrease in mpox cases between epidemiological weeks 19 and 30 of 2025. This substantial decline marks a major milestone in Africa’s ongoing battle against the viral disease formerly known as monkeypox.

Vaccination Campaigns Show Results

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, revealed during the agency’s weekly briefing that this progress stems from a combination of factors: “Strong national leadership, effective community engagement, and strengthened health systems supported by Africa CDC and our partners have been crucial to this success.”

The numbers tell an impressive story – over 3.1 million mpox vaccine doses have been distributed across 12 African nations, with more than 886,000 individuals already vaccinated. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has emerged as the vaccination leader, accounting for nearly 70% of all immunized persons.

New Outbreaks Raise Concerns

Despite this encouraging trend, health authorities remain vigilant. The Africa CDC has sounded the alarm about fresh mpox outbreaks in Gambia, Cameroon, and Mozambique. Particularly concerning is the detection of multiple viral clades in Kinshasa, including the high-risk Clade IIb variant known for its increased transmissibility.

“While we celebrate the progress, we cannot become complacent,” warned Dr. Kaseya. “The emergence of new outbreaks and multiple viral strains demands enhanced surveillance and targeted vaccination, especially among high-risk populations.”

Cholera Spreads Across Continent

In a parallel health crisis, cholera continues to plague the continent, with outbreaks now reported in 23 African Union member states. Recent cases have been confirmed in Chad and the Republic of Congo, while the DRC and South Sudan remain the hardest hit – though both nations are beginning to see a gradual decline in infections and fatalities.

The Africa CDC has identified inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure as the primary driver behind cholera’s relentless spread. “This isn’t just a health issue – it’s an infrastructure crisis that requires coordinated, multi-sectoral intervention,” emphasized Dr. Kaseya.

Strengthening Response Systems

To combat these dual health threats, the Africa CDC is expanding its Incident Management Support Team. Working in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other stakeholders under Zambian leadership, the agency is implementing a comprehensive response strategy.

Dr. Kaseya outlined three critical priorities for African governments:

• Strengthening community-based surveillance systems
• Prioritizing vaccinations in identified hotspots
• Improving integrated case management, particularly for patients with co-existing health conditions

Understanding the Diseases

For readers unfamiliar with these health threats, mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral illness with similarities to smallpox. It spreads through physical contact and contaminated objects, causing symptoms like fever, distinctive rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.

Cholera, on the other hand, is a potentially deadly bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. It thrives in areas with poor sanitation and can kill within hours if left untreated, making rapid response and prevention absolutely critical.

As Africa continues its battle against these twin health challenges, the recent progress against mpox offers hope – but as health officials warn, sustained vigilance and investment in public health infrastructure remain essential to protect communities across the continent.

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