WHO and Africa CDC Launch Coordinated Effort to Tackle Monkeypox Surge

The decision came three weeks after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the disease in 12 African countries a global emergency.

The estimated budget for the 6-month plan is approximately $600 million, with 55 percent allocated to responding to the monkeypox outbreak in 14 countries and strengthening preparedness in 15 other countries, while 45 percent is directed towards operational and technical support through partners.

The plan was announced a day after the first batch of monkeypox vaccines arrived in the capital of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak.

The European Union has donated 100,000 doses of the vaccine manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic through the EU’s Health Emergency Agency (HERA).

Congolese authorities said another 100,000 doses were expected to be delivered on Saturday.

In the same context, Jean Kasia, Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters on Friday that “the plan is based on surveillance, laboratory testing and community engagement,” stressing that vaccines are not enough to combat the outbreak.

The organization announced that since the beginning of 2024, 5,549 confirmed cases of “monkeypox” have appeared across the continent, with 643 associated deaths, in a sharp increase in infections and deaths compared to previous years.

Cases in Congo accounted for 91 percent of the total.

Most monkeypox cases have been reported in Congo and Burundi, the second-most affected country, among children under 15 years of age.

Source: AP

#Africa #CDC #launch #response #plan #monkeypox #outbreak
2024-09-08 04:33:53

Mpox who

Monkeypox Outbreak: A‌ Global Health Emergency

On August 20,​ 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared⁣ the outbreak of monkeypox in 12 African​ countries a global emergency [[3]]. This decision sparked a rapid response from global ‌health⁣ authorities, with a 6-month plan ‌being implemented to curb the spread of the disease. The plan,‍ which has an estimated budget of approximately $600 million, aims to respond to the⁣ outbreak in 14 ⁣countries ⁢and‍ strengthen preparedness in 15 other countries.

The Response Plan

The plan allocates 55% of its ⁣budget to responding to the monkeypox outbreak in 14​ countries, while 45% is directed towards operational and technical support through partners. This comprehensive approach⁣ includes surveillance, laboratory testing, and community ⁤engagement to raise awareness about the disease and⁤ promote prevention measures.

Vaccine Distribution

A significant aspect of the plan is ⁣the distribution of monkeypox‍ vaccines to affected countries. The European Union has donated 100,000 doses of ‍the vaccine manufactured ⁤by Bavarian Nordic through the EU’s Health Emergency Agency (HERA). These vaccines have already started arriving⁢ in the capital⁤ of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak. Additionally, Congolese authorities ‍expect another 100,000 ⁤doses to be‍ delivered soon.

CDC’s Domestic Mpox Response

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ⁤adapted smallpox preparedness​ systems and HIV prevention programs to respond to ‌the mpox‍ outbreak [[1]].⁤ The CDC has also provided⁢ updated data on the outbreak, including case counts and response⁣ efforts ⁣ [[2]].

Global Cooperation

The WHO’s declaration of a global emergency has rallied ​international ‌support ​for the ⁤response efforts. Jean Kasia, Director-General of the Africa ​Centers‌ for Disease ‌Control and Prevention, emphasized the importance of global cooperation⁢ in combating the outbreak. “The ⁤plan is based on surveillance, laboratory testing, ⁤and community ​engagement,” Kasia stated.

Conclusion

The monkeypox outbreak is a ‍serious​ public health‍ threat that requires a coordinated global response. With the implementation of the ‌6-month plan, the distribution ‍of vaccines, ‍and international cooperation, we can work⁣ together ‌to curb the‍ spread of the disease and protect vulnerable communities.​ As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and response ‌efforts.

References:

[1]

[2]

[3]

Monkeypox cases worldwide Today

Monkeypox Outbreak: A Global Health Emergency

On August 20, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of monkeypox in 12 African countries a global emergency [[3]]. This decision sparked a rapid response from global health authorities, with a 6-month plan being implemented to curb the spread of the disease. The plan, which has an estimated budget of approximately $600 million, aims to respond to the outbreak in 14 countries and strengthen preparedness in 15 other countries.

The Response Plan

The plan allocates 55% of its budget to responding to the monkeypox outbreak in 14 countries, while 45% is directed towards operational and technical support through partners. This comprehensive approach includes surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement to raise awareness about the disease and promote prevention measures.

Vaccine Distribution

A significant aspect of the plan is the distribution of monkeypox vaccines to affected countries. The European Union has donated 100,000 doses of the vaccine manufactured by Bavarian Nordic through the EU’s Health Emergency Agency (HERA). These vaccines have already started arriving in the capital of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak. Additionally, Congolese authorities expect another 100,000 doses to be delivered soon.

CDC’s Domestic Mpox Response

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has adapted smallpox preparedness systems and HIV prevention programs to respond to the mpox outbreak [[1]]. The CDC has also provided updated data on the outbreak, including case counts and response efforts [[2]].

Global Cooperation

The WHO’s declaration of a global emergency has rallied international support for the response efforts. Jean Kasia, Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in combating the outbreak. “The plan is based on surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement,” Kasia stated.

The Situation in Africa

Since the beginning of 2024, 5,549 confirmed cases of monkeypox have appeared across the continent, with 643 associated deaths, in a sharp increase in infections and deaths compared to previous years. Cases in Congo accounted for 91% of the total. Most monkeypox cases have been reported in Congo and Burundi, the second-most affected country, among children under 15 years of age.

Conclusion

The monkeypox outbreak is a serious public health threat that requires a coordinated global response. With the implementation of the 6-month plan, the distribution of vaccines, and international cooperation, we can work together to curb the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable communities. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments.

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