Seyi Samson Enitan
1* 
, Richard Yomi Akele
2 , Adesuyi Ayodeji Omoare
3 , Banenat Bajehson Dogonyaro
4 , Michael Unata Iduh
5 , Kester Awharentomah Digban
6 , Seto Saint Tunrayo Aladenika
7 , Grace Eleojo Itodo
8 , Grace Amarachi John-Ugwuanya
9 , Okeoghene Marcel Edafetanure-Ibeh
10 , Ameh Raphael Adole
11 , Agbolahan Adegboyega Adebanjo
12 , Oluwanifemi Adefiyinfoluwa Ajayi
1 , Ayomide Oluwatobiloba Okuneye
1 , Temitayo Oluwatomisin Ajayi
1 1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Public and Allied Health, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo 121109, Ogun State, Nigeria
2 Department of Biomedical Science, School of Applied Science, University of Brighton, London, United Kingdom
3 Department of Public Health Laboratory Services, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). FCT Abuja, Nigeria
4 Division of Virology, Parasitology and Bacteriology, National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau state, Nigeria
5 Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State Nigeria
6 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical & Health Sciences, Novena University, Ogume, Kwale 322107, Delta State, Nigeria
7 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
8 Department of Microbiology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
9 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Medbury Medical Services, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
10 Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M School of Public Health, 212 Adriance Lab Rd, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
11 Department of Infectious Disease, Clinton Health Access Initiative, FCT-Abuja, Nigeria
12 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Grandville Medical Center, Surulere, 101232, Lagos State, Nigeria
Abstract
Mpox, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), poses a growing global threat. The resurgence, driven by the highly transmissible and severe clade Ib strain from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raises concerns about a potential pandemic. This narrative review aims to identify actionable strategies to mitigate the current Mpox outbreak by leveraging lessons from past health crises, particularly COVID-19, and to highlight future research priorities essential for global preparedness. A comprehensive literature review from 2018 to 2024 was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases, focusing on Mpox transmission, vaccine efficacy, antiviral treatments, and public health responses. Our findings revealed that the resurgence of Mpox is fueled by viral evolution, ecological changes, and inadequate surveillance, exacerbated by inequitable healthcare access and insufficient public health infrastructure. While existing vaccines, such as Jynneos and ACAM2000, offer protection, their long-term efficacy and safety across diverse populations require further study. Antiviral treatments, including tecovirimat and brincidofovir, show promise but lack optimized care protocols and face challenges such as emerging resistance. Lessons from the COVID-19 response underscore the importance of enhancing global surveillance systems, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, and fostering community engagement. Effective Mpox management also requires standardized treatment guidelines and the integration of genomic monitoring to track viral evolution and drug resistance. Urgent international collaboration is needed to avert a potential Mpox pandemic. Priorities include advancing research on long-term vaccine efficacy, optimizing antiviral therapies, and improving care for severe cases. Actionable recommendations include robust policies, sustainable funding, and global collaboration to strengthen pandemic preparedness and mitigate Mpox’s impact.