Tackling the resurgence of monkeypox in Africa: challenges and strategies for eradication

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease previously limited to isolated regions of Central Africa. The reasons for resurgence of the disease in Africa are multifaceted, including waning herd immunity acquired from smallpox vaccination, the evolution of the virus, disruption of health systems by the COVID-19 pandemic, and lack of adequate global funding for monkeypox research and intervention commodities in African countries. Policymakers should regulate the distribution of African rodents, and healthcare workers must be trained in monkeypox surveillance and case definition. The adoption of the mobile digital Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) is recommended to improve disease surveillance and outbreak management. African governments must collaborate with global leaders and pharmaceutical industries to develop and distribute monkeypox vaccines and specific therapeutics. These measures are crucial in preventing and managing monkeypox outbreaks.