The World Health Organisation (WHO) has allocated $1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to bolster Mpox response efforts in Africa. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus announced the funding during an online media briefing on Wednesday, highlighting an urgent need for more resources.
Dr. Ghebreyesus revealed that the WHO has devised a regional response plan requiring $15 million to enhance surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. He noted that additional funds would be released in the coming days to support these efforts.
The response plan includes accelerating vaccine access, particularly for lower-income countries. Two Mpox vaccines have been approved by WHO-listed authorities and recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE). WHO is also working with Gavi and UNICEF for their distribution.
The WHO is partnering with governments, the Africa CDC, NGOs, and civil society to address the outbreak, with a focus on community involvement. Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to stop transmission and stated that an Emergency Committee will be convened to evaluate if the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Dr. Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude for support from Japan, the United States, the European Union, and vaccine manufacturers, and reiterated WHO’s stance against imposing travel restrictions on affected countries.
4o mini
