Abstract:
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared mpox a Public Health
Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) in Africa. African public health systems have moved
to mobilize a response against a backdrop of inherent significant challenges. With this commentary,
we discuss how lessons from past public health emergencies, particularly COVID-19 and Ebola
outbreaks, have prepared the region for improved disease surveillance, rapid response strategies, and
effective public health communication and how these lessons can be applied to the mpox response,
emphasizing the importance of strong healthcare infrastructure, effective data sharing, community
engagement, targeted interventions, and robust contact tracing. Additionally, addressing misinforma-
tion and building public trust are crucial for controlling the spread of any disease. By leveraging these
strategies, African countries can enhance their response to mpox. This includes improving diagnostic
capabilities, strengthening cross-border collaborations, and prioritizing vaccination campaigns where
needed. Ultimately, by applying the hard-earned lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola
outbreak, the East Africa region can better address the challenges posed by mpox and safeguard
public health.
