Africa’s struggle with the mpox outbreak highlights a much larger issue—vaccines alone won’t be enough to control the spread. While vaccination is a critical tool in fighting mpox, many African countries face simultaneous health crises, like cholera and malaria, that overwhelm their healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, addressing the structural weaknesses in Africa’s health infrastructure is key to long-term success in fighting disease outbreaks.
Addressing Multiple Crises at Once
Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are at the epicenter of the current mpox outbreak, are dealing with more than just this single crisis. A cholera outbreak with over 23,500 cases is straining resources, while climate change, poor sanitation, and political instability worsen the situation. In such regions, healthcare systems are not equipped to handle multiple diseases at once, leaving populations vulnerable to various health threats.
Vaccination Trade-Offs
The price of the mpox vaccine—$141 per dose—presents an additional challenge for governments that are already struggling to prioritize which health crises to tackle first. In regions with limited resources, focusing on vaccinating against mpox can often mean sidelining other critical health needs like treating malaria or providing clean water. As WHO’s Michael Ryan points out, Africa faces a “Sophie’s choice” situation, having to decide between health emergencies that are equally life-threatening.
A Holistic Health Response
To truly fight mpox and other emerging diseases, African nations need a more integrated healthcare approach that goes beyond emergency vaccinations. Strengthening healthcare systems, improving sanitation, and investing in long-term disease prevention are essential.
Africa’s future success depends on addressing its healthcare challenges at a foundational level, enabling countries to manage multiple health crises effectively.
