Addressing the Growing Threat of Mpox: Oximio’s Commitment to Global Health
WHO Declares Mpox a Global Emergency
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the escalating outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)1. This urgent decision was made by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following recommendations from an International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee. The declaration underscores the rapid spread of Mpox across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and highlights the potential for the disease to cross borders, posing a global threat.
Mpox in Africa: A Worsening Situation
The situation in Africa is particularly concerning. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This is the organisation’s first declaration since it was established in 2017. The disease, which is endemic in several Central and West African countries, has spread to at least 12 African nations, including those previously unaffected such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
In 2024 alone, these countries have reported 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths, with the DRC being the hardest hit. Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17,000, a marked increase from previous years, exacerbated by weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing, and contact tracing. These alarming figures underscore the critical need for a coordinated global response to suppress the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
The Importance of Suppressing Outbreaks
Suppressing the Mpox outbreak is crucial not only for Africa but for global health security. The rapid spread of the virus beyond its traditional endemic regions highlights the interconnectedness of our world and the potential for localised outbreaks to become global pandemics. Controlling the outbreak in Africa is essential to prevent further international spread, protect vulnerable populations, and alleviate the strain on healthcare systems already burdened by other infectious diseases.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and it is typically spread through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
Key Facts About Mpox:
- Symptoms: Mpox commonly presents with a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Diagnosis: Laboratory confirmation of Mpox is done by testing skin lesion material using PCR.
- Treatment: Mpox is primarily treated with supportive care. Vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox can also be used to treat Mpox in certain cases.
- Prevention: Preventive measures include avoiding physical contact with infected individuals and vaccination for those at risk.
Oximio’s Role in Combating Mpox
As a leading clinical trial supply chain company, Oximio is strategically positioned to support the fight against Mpox. With depots in Kenya and South Africa, Oximio is well-equipped to rapidly deploy antiviral drugs and vaccines to all African states affected by the outbreak.
Oximio South Africa and Oximio Kenya have significantly enhanced their capabilities by increasing their resources, particularly with the addition of CryoSure® vessels. These vessels are essential for the transportation of vaccines and human biospecimens, maintaining temperatures below -70°C for up to 21 days without the need for dry ice replenishment —a critical advantage in regions where dry ice is scarce.
Mpox Vaccine transportation to remote and ‘hard-to-reach’ areas at the correct temperature without the need for additional dry ice top-ups along the way, can now be accomplished,
Furthermore, the safe and reliable transportation of biospecimens will be vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing research into understanding Mpox pathways and progression.
Oximio is committed to providing these essential services, helping to advance medical research and improve patient outcomes across Africa and beyond.
Clinical Trial Supply Chain Solutions in Africa
The global Mpox outbreak presents a significant challenge, but it is one that can be met with coordinated action and the right resources. Oximio is proud to play a crucial role in this fight, leveraging our expertise in clinical trial logistics to support the rapid deployment of lifesaving treatments and the safe handling of biospecimens.
To find out how we can bring vital support to your clinical research trial in Africa, please contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.
Further Reading:
References: