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gather real-time intelligence on the outbreak, particularly
What is Mpox? in the DRC.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a These engagements culminated in evidence briefing
member of the orthopoxvirus family. It was first identified document developed by GloPID-R Africa Hub in
in humans in 1970 and is endemic in parts of Central collaboration with the Pandemic PACT programme.
and West Africa. While historically linked to animal-to- The briefing was shared with the European &
human transmission, recent outbreaks have highlighted Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership
sustained human-to-human spread. (EDCTP), GloPID-R membership and the SAMRC,
outlined priority interventions required to curb the
Mpox typically presents with symptoms such as fever, spread of Mpox, including strengthening surveillance
headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph and laboratory capacity, improving risk communication
nodes, fatigue, and a distinctive rash that may progress and community engagement, ensuring access to
to lesions. Most people recover fully, but severe illness medical countermeasures, and enhancing cross-
can occur, particularly among vulnerable groups such as border coordination. Through this work, the Africa
young children, pregnant women, and individuals with Hub has also identified key gaps in the mpox outbreak
weakened immune systems. response, including insufficient real-time data from
several Member States, limited operational research to
understand circulating clades and transmission pathways,
A Concerning Regional Picture fragmented coordination between national and regional
stakeholders, delayed access to diagnostics and
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) vaccines, and persistent gaps in community engagement
raised alarms among public health experts. Rapid human- that contribute to under-reporting and stigma.
to-human transmission, emerging modes of spread, and a
disproportionate impact on children under the age of 15. “Through these strategic engagements, the SAMRC is
better positioned to understand and address research
In response to this growing threat, the Africa Centres for priorities, with the Africa Hub playing a pivotal role in
Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared identifying gaps in the response to the outbreak,” says Dr
Mpox a public health emergency of continental security Duduzile Ndwandwe, Senior Specialist Scientist leading
on 13 August 2024, the first time this designation has Vaccine Implementation, Clinical Trial Registration and
been used. This move enables Africa CDC to mobilise Pandemic Preparedness research at Cochrane South
resources, coordinate cross-border action, and support Africa, an intramural research unit of the SAMRC.
affected countries through an Incident Management
Team. At the global level, the World Health Organisation
(WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Informing Vaccine Decisions
International Concern (PHEIC) on 14 August 2024,
highlighting the need for international solidarity and a Cochrane South Africa has also been involved in a
unified response. continent-wide initiative to compile and synthesise
scientific evidence to support National Immunisation
Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs). This work is critical
SAMRC’s Role in Strengthening the in helping countries make informed decisions about
Response vaccine introduction and broader public health strategies.
“With these initiatives, the SAMRC is poised to ensure
The SAMRC is playing a strategic role in shaping a coordinated and effective response to the Mpox
Africa’s response to Mpox through research leadership, outbreak, grounded in the latest scientific research and
evidence synthesis, and stakeholder engagement. The public health best practices,” Dr Ndwandwe explains.
Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease “Our objective is to ensure that every individual has
Preparedness (GloPID-R) Africa Hub, hosted by the access to critical information necessary to curb the spread
SAMRC, has convened key stakeholders and funders to of this disease. While vigilance remains vital, it is equally

26 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL