Africa is facing a significant challenge in securing the necessary funds to combat a growing mpox outbreak on the continent. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) revealed that less than 10% of the required $245 million has been secured so far.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency in mid-August, emphasizing the urgency for a coordinated response across Africa. Currently, only $20 million is available for the response, leaving a substantial gap of $224 million to be filled.
To address the outbreak, Africa CDC has set a budget and is working on mobilizing resources to tackle the situation. The organization has also made progress towards securing nearly 1 million doses of the mpox vaccine from various sources, including Bavarian Nordic, France, Germany, and Spain.
The Congo, the most affected country by the virus, awaits the arrival of these vaccines to help contain the spread of the infectious disease. Mpox, while often mild, can have severe consequences and even be fatal if left untreated.
Internally displaced women listen to Nathalie Kipenzi, a hygiene promoter, during an awareness campaign for mpox at the Muja camp for the internally displaced in Nyiragongo territory, near Goma in North Kivu province of the Congo on Aug. 19. | REUTERS
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