Health implications of Ebola and COVID-19 response strategies in Africa for Mpox control

Abstract

Africa remains one of the regions most heavily burdened by infectious diseases, compounded by weak public health infrastructures. The continent’s experience with major outbreaks, such as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and COVID-19, highlights the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and response strategies. This study examines the health response during these outbreaks, emphasizing key lessons and their implications for controlling emerging infectious diseases like Mpox. The 2014 Ebola outbreak devastated Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, exposing the limitations of healthcare systems and stressing the importance of early case detection, prompt responses, and community engagement. Efforts in Nigeria, bolstered by lessons from poliomyelitis control, demonstrated how robust public health communication, contact tracing, and strong political will can effectively contain the outbreaks. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, with Africa recording a relatively low case fatality rate owing to early interventions and demographic factors. Innovations, such as drone-delivered medical supplies in Rwanda and mobile laboratories for rapid testing, showcased adaptive solutions. Despite these efforts, both outbreaks revealed persistent challenges, including limited resources, vaccine inequity and misinformation. Lessons from these crises have significant implications for controlling Mpox, a zoonotic disease with rising global incidence. Drawing parallels with EVD and COVID-19, effective Mpox control requires tailored community engagement strategies, robust surveillance systems, and global coordination supported by sustained funding and political commitment.