AFRICA—The Singapore Ministry of Health has announced a donation to the fight against the continuing mpox pandemic in Africa, with the goal of strengthening the continent’s public health response to the outbreak.
The support package comprises diagnostic kits and testing supplies, allowing the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to perform up to 50,000 tests in order to strengthen case management capability.
The mpox outbreak, which was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by Africa CDC on August 13, 2024, was swiftly followed by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, due to its rapid global spread.
As of November 2024, the outbreak has affected 19 African Union member states, with more than 12,000 confirmed cases since the start of the year.
The rise in cases has been particularly notable in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi, where outbreaks have been more severe.
A major obstacle in controlling the outbreak has been the need for more essential testing supplies, which has hampered efforts to expand laboratory testing, detect new cases, and trace contacts.
These steps are crucial to managing the disease and preventing further spread.
To address this challenge, Africa CDC, in collaboration with WHO, has launched a continental strategy focused on expanding mpox testing capacity.
The strategy includes increasing the number of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing sites, activating additional testing centers, deploying near-point-of-care testing, and training laboratory personnel.
The goal is to ensure that every affected area has the necessary resources to conduct widespread testing, which is a key component in managing the outbreak.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed gratitude for Singapore’s timely and generous contribution.
He emphasized that this is the first time a comprehensive response plan has been developed for a disease outbreak in Africa, covering diagnostics, genome sequencing, and other critical response pillars.
Dr. Kaseya also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in public health, noting that this partnership with Singapore could pave the way for broader collaborations between African Union member states and the Singapore government.
Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health, reiterated his country’s commitment to global health security.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by African Union member states, particularly in testing and diagnosing suspected mpox cases.
He also expressed hope that this contribution would enhance Africa CDC’s ability to manage the outbreak effectively.
Mr Ye Kung also stressed that supporting global health initiatives strengthens resilience not just in Africa but also in Singapore, reinforcing the notion that global health security is a shared responsibility.
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