Mpox in South Africa: All you need to know about the disease and its prevention
As Mpox continues to present a significant public health challenge, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) stresses the importance of educating the public on effective prevention strategies.
The Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R) Africa Hub, hosted by the SAMRC, has led discussions with key stakeholders and funders within the GloPID-R funders network. These discussions have primarily focused on gathering real-time information on the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before the declaration as a public health emergency of concern. The results of these engagements led to an evidence briefing document compiled by GloPID-R Africa, alongside the Pandemic PACT programme, which was shared with the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) to guide funders on necessary interventions to curb the spread of Mpox.
“Through these strategic engagements, the SAMRC is better positioned to understand and address research priorities, with the Africa Hub playing a pivotal role in identifying gaps in the response to the outbreak,” says Dr Duduzile Ndwandwe, a Specialist Scientist leading the Vaccine Implementation and Pandemic Preparedness research at Cochrane South Africa, a research unit within the SAMRC.
Furthermore, Cochrane South Africa is also involved in an initiative to compile evidence with other partners on the continent. This evidence will support the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) in making informed recommendations regarding the public health response and the introduction of vaccines across the African region.
“With these initiatives, the SAMRC is poised to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the Mpox outbreak, grounded in the latest scientific research and public health best practices. Our objective is to ensure that every individual has access to critical information necessary to curb the spread of this disease. While vigilance remains vital, it is equally important that we respond with calm, informed actions rather than succumbing to panic or misinformation," says Dr Ndwandwe.,
South Africa has reported 24 Mpox cases and three deaths as of 5 August 2024, with the majority of cases occurring between 8 May and 6 July 2024. The epidemiological profile of cases reported in South Africa mirrors those of the global MPXV clade II outbreak, primarily affecting young males. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other affected African countries are currently grappling with severe Mpox outbreaks, with the DRC having reported over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths. Currently, a total of 12 African countries have reported Mpox outbreaks this year, with nine experiencing active outbreaks.
The situation in the DRC is particularly concerning due to rapid human-to-human transmission, new modes of transmission, and the impact on vulnerable populations, including children under 15 years old who represent the majority of deaths.
In South Africa, Dr. Sandile Buthelezi, Director-General of Health, has established an Incident Management Team (IMT) focused on clinical interventions, surveillance, communication, and port health. National and provincial plans and budgets are being developed to coordinate an effective response.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared a public health emergency of continental security, marking the first time this declaration has been used. The declaration empowers the Africa CDC to coordinate the response and mobilise resources, including an Incident Management Team to support affected countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) also declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), emphasising the need for a globally coordinated response. The WHO has developed a regional response plan, anticipating that $15 million is needed for surveillance, preparedness, and response. So far, $1.45 million has been released from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, with ongoing appeals for donor support.
The shortage of medical countermeasures remains a major concern, with Africa CDC calling for international solidarity.
The continent currently needs 10 million vaccines but only has 20,000. However, several initiatives are underway to support affected African countries, including a $10 million donation from USAID, along with 50,000 vaccines, a partnership agreement with the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic for 215,000 vaccine doses, and WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process to increase vaccine access.
“While the situation is serious, Africa CDC and WHO maintain that there is no need for travel restrictions at this time. The focus remains on educating the public, ensuring access to vaccines, and coordinating a robust international response to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread,” says Dr Ndwandwe.
For more information:
- Mr Tendani Tsedu
Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications: South African Medical Research Council
Cell: 082 945 1980
e-mail: tendani.tsedu@mrc.ac.za
- Dr Duduzile Ndwandwe
Specialist Scientist: Cochrane South Africa
Email: Duduzile.Ndwandwe@mrc.ac.za