Africa CDC and WHO Launch $600 Million Mpox Response Plan
In a decisive move to combat the escalating mpox outbreak across Africa, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a continent-wide response plan. This initiative aims to bolster the capacity of African nations to curb the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. The ambitious plan, set to roll out this month and continue through February next year, is backed by an estimated budget of close to $600 million.
Urgency and Scope of the Response
The joint initiative comes at a critical time, just three weeks after the WHO declared the new strain of mpox a public health emergency of international concern. The rapid spread of the virus has raised alarms, with the Africa CDC reporting 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths across the continent since the start of 2024. This represents a significant increase in both infections and fatalities compared to previous years.
The Africa CDC’s director-general, Dr. Jean Kaseya, emphasized that 55 percent of the allocated funds will be directed towards the 14 nations currently reporting cases. An additional 15 countries, identified as at risk, will receive support to boost their preparedness. The remaining 45 percent of the budget will be used for operational and technical support through various partners, although details on the funding sources were not disclosed.
Strategic Focus Areas
The response plan is built around three core pillars: surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement. These areas are critical to controlling the outbreak, especially in regions where the virus is spreading rapidly. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, noted that the approach is tailored to the varying levels of risk across the continent. For example, intense efforts are focused on areas like eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where transmission is widespread, while other nations are being supported in building readiness to address potential cases.
The emphasis on community engagement is particularly noteworthy. With vaccines alone deemed insufficient to halt the spread, educating and involving local communities in prevention and treatment efforts is crucial. This approach is expected to play a vital role in reducing the virus’s impact, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare.
The Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The impact of the mpox outbreak has been most severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accounts for 91 percent of the total reported cases. Infections in the DRC and Burundi, the second most affected country, are predominantly seen in children under the age of 15, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations. The sharp rise in cases among children underscores the urgency of the Africa CDC and WHO’s intervention.
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