The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) has declared a “public health emergency,” its highest level of alert, in light of an outbreak of the monkeypox virus (Mpox), known as “monkeypox,” in several countries around the world.
“Smallpox has crossed borders, affecting thousands of people on our continent. It is with a heavy heart, but with an unwavering commitment to our people, our African citizens, that I announce that we are declaring MPox a public health emergency on the continent,” CDC Africa President Jean Kaseña said at a press conference.
“This statement is not a mere formality, it is a clear call to action. It is an admission that we cannot afford to remain reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this scourge,” he added.