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What is the current status of the mpox outbreak in Africa?
As of now, the mpox outbreak in Africa has intensified, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is the epicenter of the crisis. Over 25,000 cases have been reported, along with 643 deaths. The situation is critical, prompting health authorities to take immediate action.
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How are health authorities responding to the crisis?
Health authorities are responding with urgency. The DRC has received its first batch of mpox vaccines, although the total number is still insufficient to combat the outbreak effectively. The Africa CDC has launched a continent-wide response plan with a budget of nearly $600 million, focusing on vaccination, surveillance, and community engagement.
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What can be done to prevent further spread of mpox?
Preventing further spread of mpox requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes equitable vaccine distribution, increased surveillance, and community engagement to raise awareness about the disease. Health authorities emphasize the need for millions more vaccine doses to contain the outbreak effectively.
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Why was mpox declared a public health emergency?
Mpox was declared a public health emergency by the WHO in mid-August due to the rapid increase in cases, particularly in the DRC. The declaration aims to mobilize resources and attention to address the outbreak and prevent further infections.
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What challenges are faced in vaccine distribution in Africa?
One of the significant challenges in vaccine distribution in Africa is the previous neglect of health infrastructure and support. Many countries have received little assistance despite high infection rates, making it difficult to manage the outbreak effectively. The urgency for equitable vaccine distribution is critical to overcoming these challenges.