The World Health Organisation has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is spreading rapidly in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As of early August 2024, there have been over 38,000 cases and 1,456 deaths in Africa, with more than 14,000 cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year alone.
Scientists warn that the outbreak resembles the early days of the HIV crisis, urging faster access to vaccines, testing, and treatments. The virus is particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups, such as young workers, and there are concerns about the lack of resources and understanding of the disease. The World Health Organisation has allocated $1.5 million to combat the outbreak but says much more is needed to control its spread.
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