Evolving Epidemiology of Mpox in Africa in 2024

The editorial outlines the shifting landscape of mpox outbreaks in Africa during 2024, emphasizing the emergence of a new viral clade (Ib) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that rapidly spread to neighboring countries. The piece reflects on prior global responses, ongoing transmission dynamics, and the challenges of surveillance and reporting, particularly in resource-constrained settings. It also highlights vaccine deployment efforts and calls for strengthened political commitment, improved surveillance, and equitable access to medical countermeasures. The editorial reinforces the urgency of finalizing the WHO Pandemic Agreement to foster a globally unified approach to public health threats.

The editorial outlines the shifting landscape of mpox outbreaks in Africa during 2024, emphasizing the emergence of a new viral clade (Ib) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that rapidly spread to neighboring countries. The piece reflects on prior global responses, ongoing transmission dynamics, and the challenges of surveillance and reporting, particularly in resource-constrained settings. It also highlights vaccine deployment efforts and calls for strengthened political commitment, improved surveillance, and equitable access to medical countermeasures. The editorial reinforces the urgency of finalizing the WHO Pandemic Agreement to foster a globally unified approach to public health threats.