Addressing a packed audience at the 100 Most Notable Africa Leadership and Excellence Summit on August 3, 2024, in Kigali, Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Senior Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General, highlighted the critical need for systemic reforms in response to the unpredictable rise in these cases.
'The current rate of mpox spread is alarming and demands immediate action otherwise we could soon declare an outbreak,' Dr. Ndembi declared.
His remarks underscored a troubling trend in mpox cases. The outbreak has seen a dramatic increase in both confirmed cases and deaths over recent years. In December 2022, 13 countries reported 1,262 confirmed cases and 256 deaths.
By December 2023, these figures had risen sharply, with seven countries recording 1,664 confirmed cases and 739 deaths. Recent data from July 2024 indicates a further escalation, with 11 countries reporting 2,745 confirmed cases and 456 deaths.
'The crisis is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our public health systems and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.' Dr Ndembi cautioned.
He emphasized the continent's broader health challenges, noting that Africa experiences over 160 outbreaks annually. The continent's heavy reliance on imported medical supplies, including vaccines and diagnostic tools, further exacerbates these challenges.
The CDC estimates that health crises result in an annual productivity loss of $800 billion USD across Africa.
To address these issues, Ndembi called for significant improvements in several key areas.
'We need to strengthen our public health institutions to ensure they can effectively manage and respond to health emergencies,' he said.
He also highlighted the urgent need to expand the public health workforce, noting that Africa currently has only 1,200 epidemiologists, far below the 6,000 needed to adequately address public health concerns.
Enhancing regulatory mechanisms and boosting local manufacturing capabilities are also critical. Ndembi, who also doubles as a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention at the Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland revealed that that 30 vaccine manufacturing plants are under development across the continent, including in Rwanda.
'Investing in local production is essential for reducing our dependence on imports and improving our capacity to respond to health crises,' he stated.
The call for reform is not only a matter of addressing immediate health challenges but also preparing for future pressures.
Africa's population is projected to grow from 1.4 billion today, to 2.5 billion by 2050, a factor that will exacerbate existing health issues. Climate change and ongoing conflicts, with 25 active conflicts reported on the continent, further complicate the situation.
Dr. Ndembi also highlighted the importance of equitable international partnerships.
'We sometimes reject grants from European countries because it comes with conditions that undermine our sovereignty. We need partnerships that are respectful and empowering,' he explained.
Rwanda's proactive measures, including advancements in health infrastructure and vaccine manufacturing, were cited as positive examples of how countries can lead the way in addressing public health challenges.
'Rwanda's initiatives demonstrate the potential for African countries to drive significant progress in public health,' Dr. Ndembi observed.
As Africa confronts these challenges, Ndembi's call to action underscores the necessity of strengthening public health systems, expanding local production capabilities, and fostering respectful international collaborations.
'This is a pivotal moment for Africa's health sector. Our response will shape the future of global health security and resilience.'
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicentre of the outbreak, but cases have also been reported in Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Rwanda.
Recently the Ministry of Health confirmed that all required measures are in place to combat Mpox in case an outbreak is declared.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/health/article/cdc-calls-for-health-reforms-as-mpox-surge-threatens-africa
