As Africa contends with the ongoing mpox outbreak, the situation underscores a need for more than just vaccines. While doses have started arriving, countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo face multiple health crises such as cholera, measles, and malaria. According to Michael Ryan, the WHO’s executive director for Health Emergencies, the question remains: “If I had a billion dollars tomorrow, would I be spending it on mpox vaccine? Maybe I’d spend it on making sure my measles coverage is better or making sure my kids with malaria get treated.”
Broader Health Priorities
The $141-per-dose mpox vaccine creates difficult choices for African countries already overwhelmed by other pressing health issues. As Ryan puts it, “Countries face different types of health emergencies but they all end up with people in hospital, they all end up with people in graves.” This highlights the need for more comprehensive health systems that can manage multiple crises at once, from disease outbreaks to the aftermath of climate-related events.
Reactive vs. Proactive Approaches
The focus on mpox ramped up only after it began to threaten international communities. As Ryan points out, “There wasn’t anybody jumping up and down last month, the month before, and the month before that about cholera, about measles, about meningitis.” This delayed attention highlights a broader issue: Africa often receives global support only when diseases threaten other nations.
Building Long-Term Solutions
Africa needs more than reactive measures. Countries must strengthen their healthcare infrastructure to deal with more than just mpox. Improving sanitation, providing clean water, and addressing poverty are key to tackling the root causes of disease outbreaks. Long-term investments in healthcare will empower Africa to face health emergencies head-on, without having to choose between one crisis over another.
