Mpox Virus Expands to 16 African Nations Amid Ongoing Struggles

The WHO declares Mpox a global health emergency as cases rise, with the Democratic Republic of Congo hardest hit.

Mpox cases have been reported in 16 African countries, with Zambia and Ghana identifying cases for the first time this year.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the most affected, accounting for 85% of suspected cases and over 6,000 confirmed infections.
Experts believe there is a significant underreporting of cases due to stigma and limited testing, with only 37% of suspected cases tested.
The WHO has launched vaccination efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, distributing 265,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine.
Despite the rise in cases in Africa, European authorities assess the risk of Mpox spreading to Europe as low.