Using Digital Learning Tools During the Ongoing MPOX Response in Africa: Proposing a Strategy

Abstract

On August 14, 2024, the Monkeypox outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) shortly after the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) labelled it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). A continental plan to scale up the Mpox outbreak response was launched. The engagement of stakeholders, including health workers, communities, and various other parties, is crucial to the success of this endeavor. Digital learning technologies have significantly improved the efficiency of major public health education campaigns worldwide but in Africa their full potential is not yet harnessed. As digital literacy grows in Africa, people are increasingly able to communicate and receive information using digital platforms. Digital citizenship opens a new era of opportunities and digital citizens represent a pool of remotely accessible individuals. In 2024, over 534 million registered mobile phone subscriptions occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to review the various digital learning methods that health workers and communities could utilize to enhance case management, improve general awareness and literacy on Mpox, then, propose a deployment strategy. Videos shared on social networks, podcasts, thematic websites, virtual learning communities, AI chatbots and MOOCs are available tools. The proposed short-, mid-and long-term strategy will function only if there is a common vision and ownership among all stakeholders, as well as availability of internet connectivity and data assessment.