Africa has officially lifted Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security following recommendations from the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group. The decision highlights the continent’s strengthened health security, effective leadership, regional cooperation, and successful international partnerships in managing complex public health challenges.
Today marks a significant milestone in Africa’s collective journey toward strengthened health security. Following the recommendation of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), I hereby announce the lifting of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This decision reflects Africa’s growing capacity to lead complex public health responses, grounded in strong political leadership, regional solidarity, and effective international partnerships.
The declaration of the mpox PHECS in 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. The decision was driven by a sharp escalation of mpox transmission across the continent, with 80,276 suspected cases and 1,340 deaths reported in 2024—representing more than a five-fold increase in cases and a two-fold increase in deaths compared with the same period in 2023. The Democratic Republic of the Congo bore a disproportionate burden, accounting for 96% of reported cases and 97% of deaths.
