Africa reports 14,669 cases, 55 deaths in 2024 – WHO Director
Written by Staff Reporter on December 5, 2024
Africa has reported 14,669 lab-confirmed Mpox cases and 55 deaths in 2024, according to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
In a statement, Moeti said Africa is seeing positive signs of containment, but emphasized challenges persist, and vigilance is still needed.
Dr. Moeti noted that since October 2024, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, and South Africa have reported no active mpox outbreaks for six weeks with Ghana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe recently joining this control phase.
WHO reports that 16 of the 19 affected African countries now achieve testing rates above 80%, a significant milestone in tackling the disease.
According to the regional director, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 80% of all confirmed cases.
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