
The global response to the mpox outbreak in Africa will show if lessons from COVID-19 have been learned
In a historic move, on 13 August 2024 the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) proclaimed its first Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) over the outbreak of mpox. This declaration signals a change towards more continental autonomy in handling health emergencies and represents a turning point in the governance of public health in Africa.
The African Union (AU) gave its CDC the power to declare a health emergency in 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new mandate has not been without controversy.
Concerns have been raised about potential overlaps with the WHO mandate, particularly regarding its authority to declare global health emergencies, underscoring the complex dynamics of global health governance and the evolving role of regional bodies in managing public health crises.… Seguir leyendo »