South Africa’s government says there is “no need for public concern” about the mpox viral disease which is spreading on the continent, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) to declare it a health emergency. The department of health however urged the public to be vigilant, saying it was waiting for a further announcement from the World Health Organisation on Wednesday before formulating its response. Africa CDC director general Dr Jean Kaseya declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security on Tuesday, saying there was an urgent need for swift and decisive action by the global community to eliminate the threat of the disease.
At least 13 African countries have reported outbreaks this year. “This declaration is not merely a formality; it is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive.
We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” Kaseya said. The declaration is the first such by the agency since its inception in 2017. Kaseya said it followed discussions with experts, including the Africa CDC emergency consultative group chaired by Professor Salim Abdool Karim .
South Africa’s health department would finalise its response after an expected update from the World Health Organisation, spokesperson Foster Mohale told the Mail & Guardian . “We are still meeting with our expert, then they will be able to guide us on what is it that we need to do diffe.