WHO and Africa CDC Launch $600 Million Mpox Response Plan for Africa

On Friday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a $600 million response plan to combat the African mpox outbreak. This initiative follows the WHO’s declaration of a global emergency due to outbreaks in 12 African countries.

The six-month plan allocates 55 per cent of its budget to address mpox in 14 affected nations and enhance readiness in 15 others. Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC, stated that the strategy will focus on surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement, stressing that vaccines alone are insufficient to tackle the outbreak.

Since January 2024, Africa has reported 5,549 confirmed mpox cases and 643 deaths, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo accounting for 91% of these cases. Many infections are among children under 15 years old.

The plan categorises countries based on risk levels and outlines actions for each group. This reportedly aims to improve case management and infection prevention. The plan follows the arrival of the first shipment of 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine in Congo, with more expected soon. Dr Kaseya stated that these vaccines are vital for protecting healthcare workers and at-risk populations, but a comprehensive approach is needed to manage the outbreak effectively.

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