Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa
Executive Summary
On August 13, 2024, the Africa CDC declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). The following day, the WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). A coordinated response at the continental level is essential, co-led by the African Union (AU) through the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), in close collaboration with global partners working within a unified plan, budget, and monitoring framework.
Over the past three years, smallpox cases in Africa have increased due to greater person-to-person transmission and insufficient response capacities. Key challenges include poor surveillance, limited laboratory capabilities, inadequate infection prevention practices, low public awareness, inadequate community engagement, and shortages of vaccines and treatments. Fragile health systems and inadequate funding exacerbate these problems.
To respond to this outbreak, a coordinated response at the continental level is essential. It was agreed that the response will be co-led by the Africa CDC and the WHO, in close collaboration with global partners working under a unified incident management team, plan, budget, and monitoring framework.
This preparedness and response plan defines the essential priorities for containing the smallpox outbreak around ten pillars, with emphasis on improving (1) coordination and leadership, (2) risk and community communication, (3) surveillance, (4) laboratory, (5) case management, (6) infection prevention and control, (7) vaccination, (8) research and innovation, (9) operational and logistical support, (10) continuity of essential services. Interventions are tailored to highly affected and at-risk countries, taking into account cross-border transmission.
Member States are categorized into four risk-based groups to better guide preparedness and response efforts and the allocation of resources more effectively: countries with sustained transmission, countries with sporadic cases or endemic reservoirs, countries at risk near high-risk areas, and other countries that maintain routine preparedness. This approach ensures targeted planning and optimal use of resources.
Excluding the cost of vaccines, which depends on negotiations with manufacturers and is donated in kind, the estimated budget for the six months from September 2024 to February 2025 is USD 599,153,498.00. Of this amount, 55% USD 329,311,463.00 is allocated to the smallpox response in 13 affected Member States and to preparedness in 15 others, while 45% USD 269,842,035.00 is allocated to operational and technical support through partners. This funding is vital to address immediate response needs, bridge capacity gaps, and ensure the sustained management of smallpox across the continent.