WHO and Africa CDC Launch $600 Million Mpox Response Plan

WHO and Africa CDC Launch $600 Million Mpox Response Plan

On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) unveiled a major response plan to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak across Africa. The initiative is set to commence this month and will continue until February next year, with a budget approaching $600 million.

This new plan follows the WHO’s recent declaration of the mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, which was announced three weeks ago. According to Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC, 55 percent of the funds will be allocated to the 14 countries currently experiencing mpox cases, as well as to improve preparedness in 15 other nations. The remaining 45 percent will support operational and technical aspects through various partners, although specific funding sources have not been disclosed.

The response strategy will focus on enhancing surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement. Dr. Kaseya emphasized that relying solely on vaccines will not suffice to control the outbreak. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted that countries are categorized based on their risk levels, from regions with intense spread, such as parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to those focusing on preparedness, like Guinea.

Since the beginning of 2024, Africa has reported 5,549 confirmed cases of mpox and 643 related deaths. This marks a significant increase in both infections and fatalities compared to previous years. The DRC alone accounts for 91 percent of these cases, with a significant portion affecting children under 15. Burundi is also heavily impacted by the outbreak.

Source: Africa News