Skip to Content

Africa’s mpox outbreaks result from neglect and world’s inability to stop epidemics, experts say

KIFI

AP Medical Writer

LONDON (AP) — A leading African scientist says the growing mpox outbreaks in Africa that triggered the World Health Organization’s emergency declaration are largely the result of decades of neglect and the global community’s inability to stop sporadic epidemics among a population with little immunity against the smallpox-related disease. Dr. Dimie Ogoina, who chaired WHO’s mpox emergency committee, says negligence led to a new, more transmissible version of the virus emerging in countries with few resources to stop outbreaks. Ogoina says that mpox had been spreading mostly undetected for years in Africa before the disease prompted the 2022 outbreak in more than 70 countries.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content