Côte d’Ivoire Strengthens Mpox Response and Disease Surveillance

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up efforts to strengthen infectious-disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness, with mpox remaining an important public-health concern.

A UNICEF situation report published in April said Côte d’Ivoire continued to face an mpox outbreak that began in July 2024. By the end of February 2026, authorities had identified 1,012 suspected cases, including 68 reported during 2026, with 256 confirmed cases across 48 health districts and three deaths among confirmed cases.

The health response is increasingly focused on early detection and rapid intervention. UNICEF has called for additional support to help the Ministry of Health strengthen epidemic preparedness and response, particularly in vulnerable northern areas.

Côte d’Ivoire is also receiving technical support to improve disease surveillance systems, laboratory networks, health-worker capacity and emergency management, strengthening the country's ability to identify and respond to infectious-disease threats.

The expanded health-security effort could improve Côte d’Ivoire’s ability to contain future outbreaks, while protecting communities and reducing pressure on hospitals and health facilities.