Monkeypox virus infection remains a challenging health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, and the world at large.

Research, monitoring, supporting, and sharing information among countries affected by monkeypox should be improved.

Research priorities towards monkeypox virus vaccine production should be prioritised.

Sensitization toward the populations at risk must be invested into.

Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic DNA virus related to the virus that causes smallpox. It was first isolated and identified in 1958 but its first confirmed human case was in 1970 when the virus was isolated from a child in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, several cases have been reported within the African continent and globally. Despite its spread, Monkey pox disease has continued to suffer neglect in terms of research and funding due to its reported inefficiency in transmitting from Man to man as its transmission was reportedly limited to its endemic regions in Africa. Poor health data management, inadequate capacities in terms of testing infrastructure and health care workers and weak surveillance systems are some of the challenges faced by African countries. Multisectoral collaboration in breaking the transmission cycle of monkeypox infection and other preventive measures must be improved upon. Community advocacies and education play integral roles in infection spread preparedness, as well as in strengthening the healthcare system.

Monkeypox virus

Healthcare systems

Covid-19

Public health

© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IJS Publishing Group Ltd.