The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a $16.5 million appeal to bolster its response to the mpox outbreak sweeping through East and Southern Africa. The outbreak poses a severe threat to children and vulnerable communities in the region.
Confirmed cases of mpox have been reported across Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the hardest-hit nation, with nearly 18,000 cases recorded since the start of 2024.
Current Situation:
- Confirmed Cases: Over 200 cases have been detected in the five affected countries, with Burundi reporting the highest number. As of August 20, 2024, Burundi has recorded 170 confirmed cases across 26 districts. Of these cases, nearly 60% involve individuals under 20 years old, and 21% are in children under five.
- New Variant: The clade Ib variant of the mpox virus has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa, raising concerns about potential widespread transmission, especially among young children.
Challenges in Burundi:
- High Infections: Burundi is experiencing the highest infection rates, exacerbated by concurrent measles outbreaks, low routine childhood immunization, and high malnutrition rates.
- Response Issues: The country faces significant obstacles, including shortages of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs, and potential disruptions to essential healthcare services.
UNICEF’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The new strain of mpox is a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. Immediate lifesaving measures, risk communication, cross-border collaboration, and investments in health system strengthening and child welfare programs must be prioritized.”
The $16.5 million appeal aims to enhance emergency response efforts, improve health system resilience, and support essential services in the affected areas.
Key Points:
- UNICEF Appeal:
- UNICEF is seeking $16.5 million to strengthen its response to the mpox outbreak in East and Southern Africa.
- Geographic Impact:
- Mpox cases have been confirmed in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo is the most severely affected country with nearly 18,000 cases reported since January 2024.
- Current Situation in Burundi:
- Burundi has reported 170 confirmed cases across 26 districts.
- Nearly 60% of cases involve individuals under 20 years old, with 21% affecting children under five.
- New Mpox Variant:
- The clade Ib variant of the mpox virus has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa.
- This new variant is raising concerns about its potential for wider transmission, especially among young children.
- Challenges Faced:
- Burundi faces multiple challenges including shortages of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs, and risks to essential healthcare services.
- The country is also grappling with concurrent measles outbreaks and high malnutrition rates.
- UNICEF’s Response:
- UNICEF is focusing on immediate lifesaving measures, risk communication, cross-border collaboration, and strengthening health systems.
- The appeal aims to improve emergency response, health system resilience, and child welfare programs in the affected regions.
