USA—The United States, through the USAID, has pledged up to an additional $35 million to enhance response efforts for the ongoing clade I pox outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, pending Congressional Notification.
This new commitment raises the total U.S. government support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other affected nations in the region to over US$55 million, reflecting a substantial investment in combating this crisis.
The additional funding will allow USAID to collaborate further with affected countries and regional and global health partners to expand their response efforts and mitigate the outbreak’s impact as it continues to evolve.
USAID’s support will encompass a wide range of critical activities, including enhancing surveillance, diagnostics, risk communication, community engagement, infection prevention and control, case management, and vaccination planning and coordination.
Since the onset of 2023, the DRC has been grappling with an unprecedented outbreak of clade I mpox, which has since spread beyond its borders.
Several neighboring countries have reported cases in 2024, including areas where mpox had not been previously documented.
In response, the United States has provided 50,000 doses of Jynneos vaccines to the DRC, the country most severely impacted by the outbreak.
This vaccine donation has been complemented by resources aimed at bolstering vaccine readiness and delivery.
UNAIDS calls for urgent global response to Mpox outbreak in Africa
In a related development, UNAIDS has issued a call for the international community to swiftly address the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the mpox outbreak in several African countries as a public health emergency of international concern.
Angeli Achrekar, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme, emphasized the urgent need to respond to the emergence of a new, more contagious variant of mpox and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities in Africa, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Achrekar highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments for all affected individuals. She advocated for a response rooted in solidarity, compassion, and inclusion, emphasizing the need to address the stigma and discrimination faced by those with mpox.
In response to the outbreak, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has pledged its support to countries in combating the virus and ensuring a comprehensive and effective response.
By leveraging its expertise and resources, UNAIDS aims to contribute to the global effort to control the spread of mpox and protect vulnerable populations.
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