Monkeypox virus declared as a global health emergency: What next for Africa's preparedness?

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2023 May-Jun:53:102577. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102577. Epub 2023 Apr 18.

Abstract

The Monkeypox virus, declared a global emergency outbreak, has garnered increasing response globally. The African healthcare community has not translated urgency in its response to the increasing outbreak. The multisectoral influence of COVID-19 has ensured that response patterns to the emerging outbreak must hold ground for proactiveness. The push for stronger health systems reiterated with the COVID-19 pandemic ensures that a successful response requires awareness of knowledge management, multisectoral and international collaboration and strengthening of systems capacity. The intricacies of the infection transmission ensure that interventions must promote equity and justice as well as financial protection of the population.

Keywords: Africa; Health promotion; Health systems; Monkeypox; Preparedness.

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Monkeypox virus*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control