The monkeypox virus: A public health challenge threatening Africa
Issued Date
2022-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
27692450
DOI
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85144055759
Journal Title
Public Health Challenges
Volume
1
Issue
4
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Public Health Challenges Vol.1 No.4 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Manirambona E., Musa S.S., Shomuyiwa D.O., Salam F.A., John O.O., Dinyo D.G.A., Haruna U.A., Sow A.U., Lucero-Prisno D.E., Ezie K.N., Samai M., Aziato L. The monkeypox virus: A public health challenge threatening Africa. Public Health Challenges Vol.1 No.4 (2022). doi:10.1002/puh2.33 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98804
Title
The monkeypox virus: A public health challenge threatening Africa
Author's Affiliation
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine
University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana
Kwara State University
University of Sierra Leone
University of Rwanda
University of the Philippines Los Banos
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Mahidol University
Ahmadu Bello University
Medecins Sans Frontieres
University of Lagos
Pan-African Action for Health Equity
University of Garoua
Health Maintenance Organization in Africa
University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana
Kwara State University
University of Sierra Leone
University of Rwanda
University of the Philippines Los Banos
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Mahidol University
Ahmadu Bello University
Medecins Sans Frontieres
University of Lagos
Pan-African Action for Health Equity
University of Garoua
Health Maintenance Organization in Africa
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
On 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization reported monkeypox cases in over 75 countries and, as a result, declared the virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Despite Africa being the centre of the zoonotic disease evolution, its healthcare systems have not provided optimum attention to the problem. The African healthcare system is under the threat of a repeat of the situation that transpired during the COVID-19 pandemonium if stringent measures are not implemented immediately. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should inform emergency preparedness and response from African countries. Concerted and sustainable efforts can be achieved by reviewing and redesigning strategic preparedness plans for testing and vaccination as in previous pandemics. Africa needs to drive this response with collaboration and a united response, and with the use of strategic communication and a sense of urgency. Africa should prioritise access to available vaccines and invest in systems development for local vaccine production. In this article, we argue that monkeypox virus has serious public health implications in Africa and the region.