EU commits additional US$22M to support Mpox outbreak response in DRC

ETHIOPIA—The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional €20 million (US$21.71 million) in funding to support efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This new allocation forms part of the EU’s broader commitment to strengthen Africa’s health systems and enhance preparedness against future epidemics.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Their discussions focused on the ongoing Mpox outbreaks and the critical coordination required to boost response efforts.

This funding boost comes at a crucial moment, just a week after the DRC launched its Mpox vaccination campaign on October 4.

While launching this campaign, Dr. Kaseya emphasized the importance of administering two doses of the vaccine, noting that while a single dose provides over 50% protection, comprehensive coverage is vital to safeguard public health.

The additional funds will significantly support the implementation of the joint Africa CDC-WHO Mpox Continental Preparation and Response Plan, which aims to curb the spread of the virus.

The EU’s contribution complements the 215,000 doses of Mpox vaccines previously donated by the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) to Africa CDC and the 365,000 doses provided by Team Europe.

These vaccines are intended to address the ongoing crisis across Africa, where Mpox continues to pose a serious health threat.

In her remarks, Commissioner Urpilainen reiterated the EU’s dedication to collaborating with African partners to tackle health crises and build resilience against future threats.

She highlighted that this latest funding is part of a larger effort to enhance global health security.

“This is a joint mission to improve global health security, and the additional €20 million is a continuation of our ongoing support, which includes previous financial assistance and vaccine donations by the EU and its Member States,” she said.

The EU’s financial commitment is also critical to its coordinated response to health emergencies.

Through initiatives like the Pandemic Fund, the EU aims to fast-track funding for key areas such as laboratory capacity enhancement, virus surveillance and detection, and vaccination training for emergency response teams.

These efforts are part of a broader goal to ensure preparedness for future public health emergencies, including the current Mpox outbreak.

Additionally, the EU is working to strengthen Africa’s health systems through the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+).

 This initiative aims to enhance local vaccine production and improve access to essential medicines and technologies across the continent.

On his part, Dr. Kaseya expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s generous support in combating the Mpox outbreak.

He acknowledged the critical role that international partnerships play in fighting such health crises, affirming that Africa CDC, together with the EU and other global partners, is committed to defeating the outbreak.

He also urged all African Union Member States to act swiftly, mobilising their vaccination efforts to protect citizens and reduce the disease’s devastating impact.

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