Mpox: A Global Health Threat Rooted in Neglect

The mpox outbreak in Africa underscores the global threat posed by infectious diseases often dismissed as local issues. Despite longstanding calls for global investment, a surge in mpox cases in non-endemic areas in 2022 highlighted global health inequities. Researchers stress the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent future pandemics.

The mpox outbreak in Africa underscores the global threat posed by infectious diseases often dismissed as local issues affecting poor, developing nations.

Despite longstanding calls from African researchers, insufficient global investment in mpox research led to a massive outbreak in 2022 across 116 countries.

The outbreak has highlighted glaring global health inequities. While industrialized nations quickly accessed vaccines and treatments to curb the spread, most African countries continue to lack these resources.

Researchers emphasize the need for coordinated international investments in diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive measures to avert future global health crises, advocating for the establishment of a multidisciplinary Mpox Research Consortium.