In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the second time since 2022. As of March 17, 2025, according to the WHO, the three countries reporting the most cases of mpox Clade I (the primary outbreak of concern) since January 2024 are the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (over 15,000 cases), Burundi (over 3,000 cases), and Uganda (almost 3,000 cases). Cases have also been detected in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.
The 2022 outbreak was caused by Clade II, a less lethal but more rapidly spreading variant that primarily affected men who have sex with men. While its spread has decreased, transmission continues in parts of Africa, the United States, and other regions. Clade I, which is primarily affecting the DRC and other countries in Africa, is more deadly, especially among children, pregnant women, and infants. Children represent over 50 percent of cases and 80 percent of deaths in the DRC.
The region faces challenges due to limited healthcare access, leading to increased mpox cases and drug resistance. The growing demand for medicines, lack of diagnostics, and insufficient vaccines and treatments compound the issue.
This webinar will feature global and local experts discussing mpox transmission, response efforts, vulnerable populations, and gaps in the global response. Register now to join the discussion.
Panelists:
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo – Principal Advisor to the Director General on Program Management and Mpox Continental Incident Management Lead at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Aula Abbara –Infectious Diseases/ Malaria Advisor to MSF Amsterdam and Infectious Diseases Consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London
Mr. Nodar Kipshidze – Senior Research Analyst at the One Health Trust, PhD Candidate in Epidemiology at Columbia University, and T32 Pre-Doctoral Fellow in the Global HIV Implementation Science Training Program
Moderated by Dr. Samantha Serrano – Associate Director of Science Communications, One Health Trust
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 9 am to 10 am (EST) / 2 pm to 3 pm (CAT)
Register here.
