A new GBGMC survey indicates a low level of awareness and knowledge about Mpox among gay, bisexual and MSM (GBGMSM) communities across Africa, including little or no preparedness in case of an outbreak.
Mpox was recently declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization which warned it might ultimately cross international borders, simultaneously, Africa’s Center of Diseases Control has declared Mpox a public health emergency on the continent.

GBGMC conducted a regional survey after it has emerged that the risk of Mpox has extended beyond sexually active individuals or those who had direct contact with affected individuals. In fact, most cases reported during the 2022/2023 multi-country outbreak were identified among Gay, Bisexual and Men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
Since Mpox spreads through sexual networks in many countries, GBMSM may face a higher risk of exposure, particularly if they engage in sexual activities or have close contact with someone who is infectious. Currently, individuals with multiple or new sexual partners are considered the most at risk.
The Africa CDC reported that Mpox has now been detected in at least 13 African countries with 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Other previously unaffected countries include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda which have reported Mpox outbreaks comparably in the the same period last year, the agency postulated that cases are up 160% and deaths have increased by 19%.
In 2023, health authorities reported six cases among MSM in a rural town in DRC. And a 2024 outbreak in the Kamituga mining region in DRC has been associated with transactional sex, as 88% of hospitalized cases reported recent transactional sex.
The GBGMC survey revealed that there is insufficient preparedness for a potential Mpox outbreak. It also highlighted the need for enhanced education and awareness campaigns aimed at key populations to improve understanding of Mpox.
While the current outbreak in most non-African countries has high rates of known cases among GBMSM, Mpox is not limited by gender or sexuality and can spread to anyone, anywhere through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.
According to Brian Kanyemba, the Senior Advisor at GBGMC, “The findings underscore the critical necessity for educational initiatives to educate key populations about the significance of timely detection and reporting, emphasizing the role of proactive measures in disease prevention and control,”. The survey showed a high level of interest among individuals to enhance their knowledge, skills, an understanding of Mpox, underscoring the need for a proactive approach to learning and preparedness to the endemic.
Against this backdrop, GBGMC partnered with PEPFAR, USAID, and Epic/FHI 360 to host a webinar on August 19. This event focused on awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of Mpox among GBGMSM in Africa, featuring survey findings and a presentation by Chris Akolo, Technical Director at EpiC/FHI 360.
Akolo reported that by June 2024, 83.8% of transmission events occurred through sexual encounters, with 66.7% of exposures happening in party settings. Additionally, 85.8% of cases with known sexual behavior identified as men who have sex with men (MSM).“The ongoing outbreak is largely occurring in networks of men who have sex with men. Note that reported sexual behavior does not necessarily reflect who the case has had recent sexual history with nor does it imply sexual activity,” Akolo added.

While public health measures can be implemented to prevent Mpox—such as good hand and respiratory hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, and proper cleaning, disinfection, and waste management—primary preventive vaccines and post-exposure preventive vaccines are recommended for selected groups, especially key populations and individuals living with HIV. Given the lack of Mpox vaccines in Africa, it is essential to advocate for more sensitive Mpox testing in the region. Additionally, we must urge health officials to prioritize key and vulnerable populations once vaccines become available.
GBGMC with their partners are committed to enhancing knowledge and awareness of Mpox among Key Populations through focused educational campaigns and training sessions. By utilizing diverse communication channels and culturally sensitive strategies, GBGMC aims to improve understanding of symptoms, prevention, and healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Collaborating with local health authorities, NGOs, and educational institutions, GBGMC will develop resources and contingency plans to empower communities. Our initiatives will be continuously evaluated to ensure they meet the evolving needs of Key Populations, fostering resilience and effective response to Mpox.











































