Africa has recorded more than 61,383 confirmed Mpox cases and 296 deaths across 32 countries since early 2024, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This alarming figure reiterates the urgent need for effective treatment strategies and coordinated public health interventions. The continent is now at the forefront of global Mpox research, with groundbreaking clinical trials and international collaborations aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious diseases. The Mpox Study in Africa (MOSA), launched in 2024, represents a landmark initiative in this fight.
Mpox, once considered a rare zoonotic disease, has now become a major public health challenge in Africa. The outbreaks involve both Clade I, found in Central Africa and known for severe illness, and Clade II, more widespread in West Africa but less severe. Subclades such as Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb have also been detected, complicating containment efforts. Africa’s outbreaks highlight vulnerabilities in pandemic preparedness, with countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda among the hardest hit. At the same time, these challenges present an opportunity for Africa to lead in research and set a precedent for tackling future pandemics.
The MOSA initiative, spearheaded by Africa CDC, is a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial designed to evaluate potential treatment options for Mpox patients across multiple African countries. Initially launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the trial is expanding to Uganda and other nations. In December 2025, an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board reviewed the trial’s safety data after the first 50 patients were randomized. The board found no safety concerns and recommended continuation of the trial, a significant milestone in building confidence around Africa’s research capacity. As the report noted, “The DSMB reviewed the safety data in December 2025 after the first 50 patients were randomized and found no safety concerns, recommending continuation of the trial.”
This trial has attracted global partnerships and funding, reflecting the importance of Africa’s role in pandemic preparedness. Emergent BioSolutions has provided financial and technical support, while PANTHER—the Pandemic Preparedness Platform for Health and Emerging Infections Response—has partnered with Africa CDC to expand research. The European Union also contributed initial funding. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating: “This study is a critical step in generating evidence to inform Mpox treatment and strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to future health threats.”
The Mpox outbreak in Africa is not just a regional issue but a global health concern. Lessons learned from Africa’s response will inform strategies worldwide. Evidence-based treatment is essential to identify effective therapies, while capacity building ensures long-term resilience. International collaboration remains vital in addressing pandemics, and Africa’s leadership in Mpox research demonstrates how regional initiatives can have global impact. As highlighted in the report, “Africa is positioning itself as a global leader in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness.”
With over 61,000 Mpox cases recorded, Africa is facing one of its most significant public health challenges in recent years. Yet through initiatives like MOSA, collaborations with Emergent BioSolutions, and the leadership of Africa CDC, the continent is positioning itself as a global leader in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness. The fight against Mpox is far from over, but Africa’s proactive response offers hope—not just for the continent, but for the world.
Source: Africa Records 61,000 Mpox Cases As Research Advances – Matrix News
