“I hereby announce the lifting of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. This decision reflects Africa’s growing capacity to lead complex public health responses, grounded in strong political leadership, regional solidarity, and effective international partnerships,” Jean Kaseya, the director general of Africa CDC, said in a statement.
Noting that the decision followed a recommendation of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), the Africa CDC highlighted the continent’s strengthened health security, effective leadership, regional cooperation and successful international partnerships in managing complex public health challenges across the continent.
“The declaration of the mpox as a public health emergency August 2024 was historic, marking the first time Africa CDC exercised its expanded mandate under the revised 2022 statutes to declare a continental public health emergency and coordinate a unified response,” Kaseya said.
The African Union’s specialized healthcare agency stressed that concerted efforts have delivered measurable impacts in Africa’s fight against mpox.
It said between peak transmission periods in early 2025 and late 2025, suspected cases fell by 40 percent and confirmed cases by 60 percent. The case fatality rate among suspected cases also dropped from 2.6 percent to 0.6 percent, reflecting improved detection, care, coordination, and accountability across all levels of response.
Meanwhile, the Africa CDC warned that the lifting of the public health emergency of continental security does not mark the end of mpox in Africa. It said the decision signals a transition from emergency response to a sustained, country-led pathway toward elimination.
It stressed that mpox remains endemic in several settings, and continued vigilance, targeted investment, and innovation will be essential to consolidate gains and prevent resurgence.
Short link: