Integrating community led surveillance and psychosocial support into Africa’s Mpox response

Abstract The resurgence of Mpox across Africa highlights the continent’s persistent vulnerability to emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and the limits of a predominantly biomedical response. While clinical diagnosis and treatment remain indispensable, over-reliance on biomedical interventions neglects the socio-cultural and psychosocial forces that shape outbreak dynamics. Experiences from HIV, Ebola, and COVID-19 demonstrate that stigma, misinformation, and eroded community trust often determine the trajectory of epidemics more decisively than virological factors alone. This Perspective builds on Africa’s long record of successful community-led surveillance during Ebola, polio, and COVID-19 responses, yet advances a new integration model that combines these surveillance strengths with psychosocial support as dual pillars of Mpox control. Evidence from Guinea’s community-led Ebola response shows how empowering trusted local actors can reverse resistance and accelerate case detection, illustrating the practical value of this integrated approach. Mobilizing such trusted local networks enables earlier recognition, culturally resonant communication, and rapid containment while embedding mental health and social protection to sustain trust and dignity.