Mpox and Marburg Virus Outbreaks Strain Central and East Africa’s Health Systems
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This colorized electron microscope image, released by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024, displays Mpox virus particles.
The ongoing Mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks are severely straining health systems in Central and East Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the epicenter of the Mpox crisis. Over 13,000 Mpox cases and 450 deaths have been reported in the DRC, signaling the urgent need for effective interventions. Neighboring countries, including Cameroon, Burundi, and Uganda, are also experiencing new cases, further complicating efforts to contain the outbreaks. Limited testing capacities and overwhelmed healthcare systems have made it increasingly difficult to manage the situation.
In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency, citing the rapidly growing number of cases, operational difficulties, and the urgent need for a coordinated response. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, explained that Mpox has been a recurring issue in the DRC for over a decade, with the number of cases steadily increasing each year. In 2023, the country saw a major surge, and by mid-2024, cases had already surpassed last year’s total, with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported.
Mpox is characterized by symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads across the body. While the disease is usually mild, it can lead to severe complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals, making containment difficult, particularly in densely populated regions.
“The transmission of Mpox occurs through large respiratory droplets or direct contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated clothing and bedding. A person remains infectious from the onset of symptoms until the skin lesions have crusted over and fallen off,” explained Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. This makes controlling the virus particularly challenging in areas with poor access to healthcare and limited resources.
In addition to the ongoing Mpox crisis, Rwanda is also facing its first outbreak of the Marburg virus. The Marburg outbreak has affected over 60 individuals, with healthcare workers among the most impacted. Marburg is known for its high fatality rate, making it a significant public health threat in the region. With both Mpox and Marburg spreading simultaneously, the need for immediate and comprehensive healthcare responses is more critical than ever.
One of the key challenges in combating the Mpox outbreak has been the shortage of vaccines. Although nearly 900,000 Mpox vaccine doses have been distributed across Africa, this amount is far below what is needed to control the virus. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), over 10 million doses are required to effectively manage the outbreak. Vaccination campaigns are underway, supported by international partners, but there is still a significant gap in vaccine availability.
The combined impact of Mpox and the Marburg virus has highlighted the need for increased investment in Africa’s healthcare infrastructure. Despite remarkable efforts from local communities, the region’s healthcare systems are under immense strain. There is an urgent call for more investment in testing, surveillance, and healthcare capacity to prevent further spread and manage the outbreaks effectively.
Global support has become essential to tackling these health crises. The simultaneous outbreaks of Mpox and Marburg have placed an extraordinary burden on already fragile health systems in the affected countries. With limited resources, the countries most impacted by these diseases are relying heavily on international aid to contain the outbreaks and provide essential healthcare services.
As the health crisis continues to unfold, there is a growing recognition of the need for a coordinated global response to support African nations in their fight against these deadly viruses. The international community must increase funding for healthcare infrastructure, improve testing and surveillance capabilities, and provide adequate vaccines and medical supplies to contain the outbreaks.
Both the Mpox and Marburg outbreaks have underscored the vulnerability of health systems in Central and East Africa, and the urgent need for a sustained, collective effort to address these ongoing challenges. Only through increased investment, cooperation, and support can the region begin to overcome these health crises and prevent further loss of life.
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