Submission ID 118423
| Issue/Objective | Monkeypox (Mpox) has emerged as a significant public health concern in Central and West Africa due to its zoonotic nature and recent increase in human-to-human transmission. Although historically considered an endemic disease, the rising frequency of outbreaks underscores the need for improved surveillance and response systems. However, existing surveillance mechanisms face numerous challenges that hinder effective outbreak management. This scoping review aims to systematically map the current landscape of Mpox surveillance in endemic regions of Africa, assess the effectiveness of existing strategies, and identify key gaps that must be addressed to enhance future preparedness and response. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A scoping review methodology was adopted, following the guidelines recommended by Arksey and O'Malley. We conducted a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles, grey literature, and policy reports from January 2010 to December 2022, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies and reports that focused on surveillance strategies, diagnostic technologies, outbreak response, and Mpox-related challenges in endemic African countries were included. In total, 25 relevant studies from six African nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, were analyzed. |
| Results | The review revealed substantial weaknesses in Mpox surveillance systems across the region, including limited diagnostic capacity, delayed outbreak reporting, and lack of standardized data management. While some countries employed active case detection and mobile health platforms, many relied on passive surveillance methods, leading to delayed recognition of outbreaks. Diagnostic challenges, such as insufficient laboratory infrastructure and inadequate access to PCR testing, were prominent, particularly in rural and remote areas. Additionally, logistical issues, such as inadequate transportation and poor data sharing between national and international health agencies, hindered response efforts. Despite these barriers, successful community-driven surveillance models and cross-border collaborations showed promise in improving early detection and response. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This review highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen Mpox surveillance and response in Central and West Africa. Key recommendations include expanding diagnostic capabilities, adopting integrated surveillance technologies, and enhancing community engagement in outbreak detection. International collaborations and regional health organizations must work together to ensure timely data sharing and coordinated response efforts, ultimately improving outbreak management and preventing further public health crises in the region. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Fortune Effiong University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Emmanuel Elebesunu Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria Tolulope Ogunniyi Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria Dimeji Olawuyi Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Archibong Bassey Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry. England. United Kingdom Ibrahim Hassan Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria Emmanuella Effiong Department of Nutrition and Dietetics University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria Oluwaseun Ogundijo Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Ayomide Kayode Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Monica Ahiadorme Department of Basic Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, Ghana Leonard Uzairue University of Staffordshire |
