Madagascar mpox cases have crossed 3,000 since December 2025, with health authorities expanding vaccinations, surveillance and public awareness to curb the outbreak.
ANTANANARIVO: Madagascar mpox cases have climbed above 3,000 since the outbreak began in December 2025, according to the latest figures released by the country’s Ministry of Public Health on Thursday. Health officials say continued surveillance, targeted vaccination and faster case management remain central to containing the spread of the virus.
The ministry reported a total of 3,022 confirmed infections since the outbreak was first detected. Of these, 2,114 people have recovered, while 20 deaths have been linked to the disease. The latest update highlights the continuing pressure on the country’s public health system as authorities work to reduce transmission and protect vulnerable communities.
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Toamasina Province on Madagascar’s eastern coast remains the hardest-hit region, accounting for around 40 per cent of all confirmed infections nationwide. Taolagnaro Province in the south-east is the second most affected area, representing approximately 12 per cent of reported cases. Health officials continue to monitor both provinces closely while maintaining surveillance in other regions to identify new infections quickly.
The government has strengthened epidemiological surveillance and increased public awareness campaigns to encourage early reporting of symptoms and improve understanding of preventive measures. Officials have also expanded vaccination efforts in districts with higher infection rates while improving testing capacity and ensuring suspected cases, along with their close contacts, receive timely medical attention. These measures are intended to interrupt chains of transmission and reduce the risk of further outbreaks.
A significant boost to the national response came earlier this month when the United Nations Children’s Fund delivered a second shipment of 30,000 mpox vaccine doses to Madagascar. The vaccines are being prioritised for frontline healthcare workers and people identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, groups considered to be at the greatest risk of infection.
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Public health experts have emphasised that vaccination, rapid diagnosis and effective contact tracing remain among the most effective strategies for controlling outbreaks. Authorities are also encouraging communities to cooperate with health workers and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms appear.
As Madagascar mpox cases continue to rise, the Ministry of Public Health says it will maintain its intensified response while working with international partners to strengthen disease surveillance, expand vaccination coverage and minimise the impact of the outbreak across the country.
Madagascar, mpox, Africa, public health, vaccination, disease outbreak, World News, UNICEF
