Africa unites against Mpox: President Ramaphosa calls for collective action

In a powerful address to the African Union Heads of State virtual meeting, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the urgent need for collective action in the fight against Mpox.

The outbreak of Mpox has underscored the vulnerability of Africa’s health systems, and President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to disease control.

President Ramaphosa commended Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) collaboration with organizations such as the World Health Organisation( WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop a continental preparedness and response plan for Mpox.

He also welcomed the WHO’s interim Medical Countermeasures Network and the establishment of access and allocation mechanisms for Mpox medical countermeasures.

Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of equitable distribution of medical countermeasures and the need for an evidence-based finance plan.

He called for Africa CDC to lead consultations on vaccine distribution and encouraged countries to make use of Africa CDC’s data-sharing system.

President Ramaphosa also emphasized the need for local manufacturing of Mpox vaccines to reduce costs and improve access.
He called on African countries to support sustainable manufacturing by purchasing vaccines and health products made in Africa through the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism.

In his closing remarks, President Ramaphosa urged for enhanced surveillance, strengthened healthcare infrastructure, and increased awareness in the fight against Mpox.

He emphasised the importance of acting now to build resilient public health infrastructure for future generations.