Addressing the susceptibility of Africans to monkeypox disease: a commentary

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox an international public health emergency following its recent resurgence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several other African countries for the second time in 2 years. The re-emergence of monkeypox (mpox) in Africa is an escalating concern, despite public health efforts aimed at preventing further outbreaks. This commentary examines the factors contributing to Africans’ susceptibility to mpox, including ecological, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related influences. While public health measures have successfully leveraged social media for awareness and education, the spread of misinformation through these platforms hinders progress in combatting zoonotic diseases. Vaccination efforts have shown promise, though expanding vaccine production capacity and addressing vaccine hesitancy in Africa remain critical. Additionally, we note a gap in evidence-based One Health research within African nations. To prevent future mpox outbreaks, African countries must strengthen their public health infrastructure, enhance surveillance efforts, and ensure equitable access to vaccines.