WHO Allocates $1m to Strengthen Global Mpox Response

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

MONDAY, August 12, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) has mobilized $1 million from its contingency fund for emergencies to intensify the global response to the escalating mpox outbreak. This funding marks a critical step in WHO’s broader strategy to curb the spread of the disease, particularly in regions hardest hit by the outbreak.

During a virtual press conference on August 7, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus announced the allocation and unveiled a comprehensive regional response plan. This plan, requiring an estimated $15 million is designed to bolster surveillance, preparedness and response efforts across affected areas. Dr. Ghebreyesus also highlighted the approval of two vaccines by national regulatory authorities, as recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE).

To enhance vaccine accessibility in low-income nations that have yet to grant national approval, WHO has initiated the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process. This move aims to streamline procurement and distribution by partners such as Gavi and UNICEF, ensuring that vaccines reach those most in need.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the epicenter of a severe mpox outbreak since early 2024 with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported. The DRC has historically contended with mpox outbreaks but the current surge is unprecedented with cases reported in new provinces. Neighboring countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda—have also reported over 50 confirmed and suspected cases in recent months, raising alarms across the region.

The outbreak in the DRC is driven by a new variant of clade 1, identified as clade 1b, which is associated with more severe disease manifestations compared to clade 2, the latter being responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. Clade 1b has already been detected in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, while ongoing analysis is underway in Burundi.

Additionally, clade 1a has been reported in the DRC, Central African Republic, and Republic of Congo this year. Clade 2 continues to be present in several West African nations, including Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria and South Africa.

Related: Monkeypox (Mpox): How it spreads and who is at risk

Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized WHO’s ongoing collaboration with the affected countries' governments, Africa CDC, NGOs, civil society and other partners to better understand and address the factors driving these outbreaks. The concerted effort is crucial to controlling the spread of the disease and mitigating its impact on public health.

As the situation progresses, WHO remains committed to providing the necessary support to combat the mpox outbreak with a keen focus on ensuring equitable access to vaccines and healthcare resources globally.

Source: WHO News Conference (Video: From 7.34 - 11.48 min.)

Related:

Concerning Mpox Cases Surging in the DRC

South Africa Records a Case of Mpox Disease; Nationwide Vigilance Urged

Watch the video below to learn more about Mpox (Monkeypox)

Published: August 12, 2024

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