In a landmark step toward bolstering the continent’s response to disease outbreaks, twelve African countries have pledged to strengthen cross-border collaboration aimed at enhancing the prevention, detection, and control of health emergencies, with a particular focus on mpox. This commitment comes in light of over 16,398 confirmed cases and 1,180 deaths from mpox across 22 African nations as of early 2025.
The participating countries Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, Zambia, Kenya, Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic have agreed to work together alongside development partners, civil society organizations, and health experts. This united effort was formalized at a regional meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, that centered on the response to mpox and other health emergencies.
One of the key drivers behind this initiative is the recognition that epidemics transcend borders and require cohesive, coordinated strategies. The new agreement is expected to enhance data-sharing systems, streamline efforts to address cross-border transmission challenges, and better manage the movement of affected populations. In addition, it is designed to facilitate the allocation of both financial and technical resources necessary for implementing sustainable mpox response mechanisms.
The collaborative meeting brought together key stakeholders and served as a platform for both political and technical dialogue. The focus was on reinforcing governance frameworks and creating an enabling environment to respond more effectively to outbreaks. Through collective brainstorming and strategy sessions, representatives from the health, migration, and development sectors explored how integration and innovation could drive better health outcomes with limited resources.
Participants emphasized the importance of transparency, adaptability, and interconnected systems in maximizing the efficiency of public health responses. The call for stronger regional integration into existing health emergency coordination mechanisms was a recurring theme. It was clear from the discussions that nations are eager to embed their mpox responses into broader, continent-wide public health initiatives.
Discussions during the two-day event revolved around the major pillars of mpox response, including surveillance, laboratory capabilities, clinical management, vaccination programs, research, risk communication, sustainable financing, policy alignment, and capacity building. By addressing these core areas, the countries aim to build resilient systems capable of managing not only mpox but also future outbreaks.
The regional nature of the mpox outbreak necessitates a collective and harmonized response strategy. This gathering served not only as an avenue for sharing best practices and experiences but also as a launching pad for concrete joint actions. The consensus was clear: collaborative health security efforts are essential to effectively tackle transboundary health threats.
Looking forward, the countries involved are set to continue working closely through regional mechanisms, utilizing technical and financial support to implement the strategies discussed. This commitment signals a promising step toward improving Africa’s readiness and response to public health crises, ensuring that no country is left behind in safeguarding the health of its population.
