UNICEF appeals for US$59M to combat Mpox in Africa

USA—UNICEF has issued a US$58.8 million appeal to address the growing mpox crisis in six African countries, where children are disproportionately affected.

While child fatalities remain confined to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), data highlights the high vulnerability of children across the region, prompting UNICEF to ramp up its prevention and response efforts.

So far this year, nearly 22,000 suspected and confirmed cases of mpox have been reported, with 60% of cases occurring in children under the age of 15.

Alarming figures reveal that approximately 80% of the more than 700 mpox-related deaths have occurred among children, especially in underserved communities.

In the DRC, UNICEF has been working to improve community-based monitoring systems by training over 200 health workers, 100 hygienists, and 200 community engagement teams.

Additionally, 6,000 community volunteers have been deployed to raise awareness about mpox, and over 30 local radio stations are broadcasting vital public health messages.

UNICEF has also established treatment and isolation units at high-traffic health centres like Kavumu and Lwiro in the Miti Murhesa health zone.

These units, equipped with 20 to 30 beds, offer free treatment to affected individuals.

To boost vaccination campaigns, UNICEF has received its first shipment of 215,000 mpox vaccine doses, with more supplies expected in the coming weeks to accelerate the inoculation drive in the DRC.

UNICEF’s recent appeal aims to assist children impacted by the outbreak in Burundi, Central African Republic (CAR), DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where the clade 1 variant of mpox is surging.

 Thousands of children in these countries face not only the risk of infection but also secondary complications and social stigma associated with the disease.

The high infection and mortality rates, particularly in the DRC, highlight the increased vulnerability of children in regions with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene.

 Factors like malnutrition, displacement, and other common childhood diseases further exacerbate the crisis.

UNICEF’s response strategy includes an integrated approach to stop the active transmission of mpox, mitigate secondary harms to children, and strengthen preparedness efforts.

Key components of the response include coordination, risk communication, infection control, vaccination, case management, mental health support, and the provision of essential services.

Additionally, UNICEF is collaborating with partners to extend support to neighbouring countries in Eastern, Southern, West, and Central Africa, where the risk of mpox spread remains high.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and  insights from Africa and the World HERE