In August 2024 Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), which enables the organisation to “lead and coordinate responses to significant health emergencies”. This is the first such declaration by Africa CDC since its launch in 2017. On the same day Bavarian Nordic announced an order from HERA (European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority) for the FDA- and EMA-approved MVA-BN vaccine. HERA is to procure 175,420 doses for donation to Africa CDC, to which Bavarian Nordic will add 40,000 doses.
PHECS
Under Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statutes Africa CDC can lead and coordinate responses to significant health emergencies, such as those declared PHECS or Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Africa CDC has established a 25-member Incident Management Team based at the epicentre of the epidemic with a mandate to support affected and at-risk countries.
The declaration of a PHECS:
- Enables the mobilisation of resources across affected countries
- Unlocks essential funding
- Strengthens Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)
- Boosts surveillance and laboratory testing efforts
- Enhances human resource capacities to respond effectively to mpox through a One Health approach
Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya highlighted that the declaration signifies the mobilisation of “our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act – swiftly and decisively”.
“This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most.”
However, Dr Kaseya identifies “no need for travel restrictions”.
The tip of the iceberg for Africa
Africa CDC states that “at least 13” African countries have reported mpox outbreaks, including “previously unaffected nations”. Suspected cases on the continent have “surged past 17,000”, but this is “just the tip of the iceberg” as there are “many weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing, and contact tracing”.
Between May 2022 and July 2023 mpox was considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by WHO, but Africa “did not receive the support it urgently needed during this period”. Indeed, as global cases declined the “escalating numbers” in Africa were “largely ignored”. Therefore, Dr Kaseya called for a change in the international approach and close collaboration with Africa CDC.
“We call on you to stand with us in this critical hour. Africa has long been on the frontlines in the fight against infectious diseases, often with limited resources.”
Dr Kaseya urged the global community to offer “support, expertise, and solidarity”.
“The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis.”
Professor Salim Abdool Karim, head of the AIDS research programme CAPRISA, chaired the Africa CDC Emergency Consultive Group (ECG) that reached a unanimous decision on the emergency declaration.
“The number of cases has significantly increased compared to 2022 when WHO declared mpox a public health emergency. It’s clear that we’re facing a different scenario with far more cases, resulting in a higher burden of illness.”
Additionally, Dr Karim raised concerns about fatalities, including a potential link between HIV and mpox.
“Our concern is that we may be seeing more fatalities in Africa due to the association with HIV.”
Vaccine hope
As Dr Kaseya commented on the need for “10 million doses to effectively control the outbreak”, Bavarian Nordic announced a HERA order for 175,420 doses, which will be supplemented by 40,000 donated doses. Although only two African countries have granted Emergency Use Authorisation for the MVA-BN vaccine, WHO requested that Bavarian Nordic submit an Expression of Interest for Emergency Use Listing.
Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety highlighted the importance of “strong global partnerships”. As health security threats “know no borders”, the collaboration between the EU Commission, Africa CDC, and Bavarian Nordic will make doses available to “protect the most vulnerable”.
“Preparedness and response to health threats is a global endeavour which we are determined to pursue collectively and with solidarity across borders.”
Bavarian Nordic’s President and CEO is “proud to support” the contribution of vaccines to the region and “pleased to announce an additional donation”.
“We also applaud the initiatives from the Africa CDC and WHO to strengthen and coordinate the public health response, helping to ensure our vaccine can reach more people on the African continent.”
Bavarian Nordic returns to the Congress in Washington 2025 to share insights into vaccine progress, so do get your tickets to meet senior representatives there. For more updates on the evolving outbreak and vaccine responses don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletters here.
