GENEVA, Switzerland, October 31, 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- In response to the growing number of people affected by the monkeypox (mpox) epidemic, which is spreading in parts of Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for $27.8 million to protect and assist migrants, internally displaced and mobile populations, and the communities with whom they are in contact.
Since August 2024, the number of confirmed cases in Africa has increased sharply, from more than 2,800 in 12 countries to more than 9,300 in 34 countries as of October 20, 2024. This appeal follows an initial funding request from 18, $5 million for affected countries in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa, issued in August 2024.
IOM expanded the plan from East Africa, the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa to one Multi-country monkeypox preparedness and response plan for Africacovering the period from September 2024 to February 2025. This plan aims to address the health needs of migrants and internally displaced people, carry out health screenings and improve risk communication and engagement. within affected communities. It will work to consolidate cross-border coordination between governments and local communities by supporting countries to strengthen the response at relevant borders and entry points into high-risk areas across Africa.
“By successfully mobilizing support around this plan, IOM will be able to implement the response and preparedness measures of our Member States and partners to contain the epidemic and strengthen preparedness,” said Dr. Poonam Dhavan , Director of the Migration and Health Division of IOM.
The virus, which spreads through close contact with infected people, particularly affects displaced people, migrants and highly mobile populations living in cross-border communities due to the absence of prevention measures and lack of detection and control of the disease at their disposal. The spread is still significant in cases of overpopulation and poor living and working conditions.
IOM has been responding to monkeypox since the recent outbreak and spread of the disease in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. More than 1,047,900 screenings were carried out in the DRC, Guinea and Uganda over more than four months. Nearly 2,300 border agents and community health professionals were trained in early detection and management of proven cases in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, South Sudan, Uganda and in Zimbabwe. In the DRC, Mozambique and Uganda, IOM has raised awareness of monkeypox among more than 27,500 people since June 2024.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the continent’s worst-affected country, IOM is strengthening monkeypox control in high-risk areas through risk communication and community awareness in IDP camps. The organization has trained more than 80 health professionals and community leaders to raise awareness among people hosted in the camps.
IOM’s response plan seeks to address pressing health issues exacerbated by high mobility on the continent. However, despite the Organization’s work, the plan remains significantly underfunded, with only $1 million raised of the $18.5 million total. Without additional assistance, essential activities at points of entry are likely to be disrupted. IOM appeals to donors, governments and international partners to support the fight against monkeypox (mpox) to protect the health and well-being of communities affected by migration.
Note to editor
The IOM response plan is being developed in coordination with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The latest situation report is available ici.
For more information, please contact:
Dorothy Njagi, dnjagi@iom.int
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-10-31 09:55:00
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**Interview with Dr. Poonam Dhavan, Director of the Migration and Health Division at IOM**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Dhavan. Let’s start with the current situation concerning the monkeypox outbreak in Africa. Can you explain why the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched this extensive appeal for funding?
**Dr. Dhavan:** Thank you for having me. The monkeypox outbreak has escalated significantly since August 2024, with cases rising from over 2,800 to more than 9,300 across 34 countries. Our appeal for $27.8 million is crucial to protect and assist migrants and internally displaced individuals, who are often the most vulnerable during health crises. They face unique challenges, having limited access to healthcare and preventive measures.
**Editor:** What does the IOM’s Multi-country monkeypox preparedness and response plan entail, particularly regarding mobile populations?
**Dr. Dhavan:** Our plan aims to address the health needs of mobile populations through comprehensive health screenings and enhanced risk communication. We will consolidate efforts across borders, engaging governments and local communities to ensure coordinated responses at entry points into high-risk areas. This will help to manage and contain the spread of the virus effectively.
**Editor:** You mentioned significant training for health professionals and community leaders. Why is this aspect important in your response to the outbreak?
**Dr. Dhavan:** Training local health professionals and community leaders is vital for early detection and management of monkeypox cases. They are on the front lines and play an essential role in raising awareness in their communities. We have trained nearly 2,300 individuals across several high-risk countries to ensure they can respond swiftly to reported cases.
**Editor:** Despite your efforts, funding remains a challenge, with only $1 million raised so far. What will happen if the necessary funds are not secured soon?
**Dr. Dhavan:** Without adequate funding, essential activities at points of entry, including health screenings and preventive measures, will be severely compromised. Our ability to respond effectively to the outbreak and protect the health of migrants and the vulnerable communities they live in will be greatly limited. We appeal to donors, governments, and international partners to recognize the urgency of this situation and provide the needed support.
**Editor:** how can the public contribute to raising awareness and supporting IOM’s initiatives?
**Dr. Dhavan:** Raising awareness within communities is essential. Sharing accurate information about monkeypox, its transmission, and prevention can make a significant difference. Individuals can also support our initiatives by advocating for increased funding and engaging their networks to contribute to funding efforts. Together, we can protect vulnerable populations and contain this outbreak.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Dhavan, for shedding light on this critical issue and the work that IOM is doing to combat the monkeypox outbreak in Africa.
**Dr. Dhavan:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.
