WHO seeks 135m USD to combat mpox variant in Africa

In August 2023, the Africa CDC declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a continent-wide public health emergency, seeking international assistance to provide two million vaccines. The WHO subsequently raised the alarm due to outbreaks in several African nations and the emergence of a new variant, which is believed to be more contagious. Despite the situation in Africa, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control assessed the risk to Europe as low, advising against panic. The European Commission has coordinated efforts to donate vaccines to Africa, with member states pledging doses to combat the outbreak. The WHO reported over 18,000 suspected cases and 575 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year alone. A new variant has been circulating since late 2022, with around 100 cases occurring monthly in Europe. While the situation is serious in Africa, European health authorities do not consider it a public health emergency, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing the outbreak. European countries are taking precautionary measures, advising citizens to be vigilant when traveling to affected regions. Vaccination recommendations are currently limited to at-risk groups, and countries like Sweden and the Czech Republic are implementing travel advisories and consultations for vaccinations. The Dutch health authorities are prepared for potential cases of the new variant, indicating a proactive approach to monitoring and containment. In summary, while the mpox situation in Africa is critical, European nations are managing the risk with caution and solidarity, focusing on vaccine donations and public health measures to prevent further spread of the disease.