Africa CDC says Mpox downgrade likely
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says it is now likely that Mpox formerly called monkeypox could soon be downgraded from a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security as more countries in Africa record zero cases for extended periods. Officials are monitoring the outbreak closely and say the trend of decreasing cases in several countries meets key criteria for considering a reduction in the emergency status. Seven countries have reportedly reached the “end phase” of the outbreak, and Sierra Leone is expected to enter the “control phase” after maintaining more than 42 days without a confirmed case, a standard benchmark that signals outbreak control. If enough nations sustain similar progress, Africa CDC may formally downgrade the emergency level on the continent. The criteria for this step include the absence of sustained human-to-human transmission, declining regional risk, and strong national capacities to detect and respond to new cases. While surveillance and cross-border cooperation remain critical, health officials are optimistic that current trends could allow for a transition out of emergency status if they continue.
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