Africa CDC’s Call for 10 Million MonkeyPox Vaccines Ignores Root Causes
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is on the brink of declaring a “public health emergency of continental security” in response to the alarming spread of mpox. This comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other East African nations grapple with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths, predominantly among children under 18. According to health authorities, the rise in cases in Africa has been exacerbated by widespread malnutrition among children in the region.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, speaking to NPR this week, issued a desperate plea for urgent international support to avoid a catastrophic repeat of the COVID-19 response failures. “We are losing the youth in Africa,” he lamented, urging for rapid international cooperation and a mass vaccine deployment of at least 10 million vaccine doses to effectively curb the outbreak. However, this call to arms raises a critical question: Are vaccines truly the panacea for a continent plagued by malnutrition and conflict? Undeniably, his plea falls short to address the root causes of the crisis and contracticts the African Union’s efforts to promote African Solutions for African Problems, including in the use of traditional medicines and healing practices in the face of outbreaks and pandemics.
The stark reality is that the majority of mpox victims are malnourished children, their suffering exacerbated by the direct and indirect ravages of conflict. Even if Africa were to receive the 10 million mpox vaccine doses, it would still be left with mpox-free children dying of malnutrition-related causes. This scenario begs the question: Shouldn’t Africa CDC be directing its cries for help towards addressing the fundamental causes of this outbreak? In the face of such dire circumstances, it’s not merely about combating a virus but about uprooting the deeply entrenched issues of hunger and instability that continue to devastate the continent.
Moreover, the contrast between the desperate call for 10 million doses of the mpox vaccine and the pervasive COVID-19 vaccine apathy lays exposes a desastrous flaw in our public health strategy. Africa CDC’s response to the mpox outbreak must navigate these treacherous waters, balancing the urgent push for vaccination with a deep respect for traditional medicine practices, and tackling the underlying factors fueling the spread of the disease, such as rampant malnutrition. Public health campaigns must go beyond the surface, addressing malnutrition among those ravaged by conflict and poverty, confronting vaccine hesitancy through genuine community engagement, and integrating traditional healers and medicines into the comprehensive health response.
Can the spread of mpox be curbed by pivoting efforts towards conflict resolution? Undoubtedly. Conflict resolution can be a game-changer, bringing much-needed peace and stability to communities, and curbing the involuntary migration of people that exacerbates the spread of disease. This peace allows for the deployment of health authorities, the improvement of health infrastructure, and effective coordination among stakeholders, leading to the restoration of disrupted health services. Furthermore, resolving conflicts can free up resources, integrate traditional healers into public health efforts, and foster community engagement, all crucial elements for successful vaccination and prevention measures.
Africa CDC’s insistence on vaccines as the primary solution to mpox may be woefully misguided. The continent’s struggle with mass vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed profound vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, mistrust in health authorities, and formidable logistical barriers. Despite global efforts, financial aid, and African nations pouring scarce resources into purchasing COVID-19 vaccines, uptake remained dismally low.
In light of these realities, it is imperative that Africa CDC reevaluates its strategy. The focus must shift from a singular reliance on vaccines to a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of disease spread—malnutrition, conflict, and the integration of traditional healing practices. Only then can we hope to truly combat mpox and future pandemics, build a healthier, more resilient Africa.
