The ongoing mpox outbreak, which began in 2024, continues to affect multiple regions worldwide, with Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), being the epicenter of the crisis. In the first two months of 2025 alone, 60 countries reported cases, with the majority of infections and deaths occurring in African nations.
To address the growing public health threat, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have implemented a Joint Continental Mpox Plan. This plan outlines ten key pillars designed to reduce the spread of the virus and protect public health. These pillars include coordination between health agencies, risk communication, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity enhancement, clinical management, infection prevention and control, vaccination, research, logistics, and the maintenance of essential health services.
As part of this strategy, vaccination efforts have ramped up across affected countries. As of April 2025, over 650,000 doses of the JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN®, IMVAMUNE®) vaccine have been administered, with 90% of these doses being given in the DRC. In total, more than a million doses have been distributed across 10 countries, with ongoing efforts to secure more vaccine supplies. The JYNNEOS vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, remains the leading vaccine for preventing mpox, which spreads primarily through close or intimate contact, including sexual activities.
The outbreak’s severity has led the global community to take action. The WHO has updated its global strategic plan to curb the transmission of mpox, aligning it with the Africa CDC’s Continental Response Plan. The goal is to reduce, and where possible, stop human-to-human transmission. The plan includes increasing access to vaccines, improving community engagement, and enhancing diagnostic and clinical management capabilities. These efforts are crucial in limiting the spread of the disease and providing treatment options to those affected.
Internationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel health advisory on April 1, 2025, warning travelers to exercise enhanced precautions when visiting African countries with active outbreaks. The advisory, set at a Level 2 alert, encourages travelers to practice enhanced precautions, particularly those who may engage in intimate or sexual activities. The advisory stresses the importance of vaccination for individuals traveling to countries where mpox is circulating, especially those who anticipate close contact with others during their travels.
In the U.S., the JYNNEOS vaccine is now widely available through clinics and pharmacies, offering a preventative measure for those at higher risk, such as travelers to areas with ongoing outbreaks. With the combination of vaccination efforts, heightened awareness, and continued surveillance, there is hope that the outbreak will be contained in the coming months. However, significant challenges remain, including securing additional vaccine supplies, reaching all at-risk populations, and maintaining public health infrastructure in affected regions.
The response to the mpox outbreak is a testament to the importance of global cooperation in addressing public health threats. While much progress has been made, the battle against mpox is far from over, and continued vigilance, investment, and collaboration are necessary to control the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations.
