Stopping and containing the current outbreak of mpox will require $87.4 million over the next six months, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced.
The WHO said it would use the money to “implement critical activities” outlined in its global strategic preparedness and response plan for mpox, which include supporting surveillance, research, community empowerment and equitable access to medical countermeasures to contain and stop the spread of the virus.
At least 14 African countries have reported mpox outbreaks this year, with more than 17,000 suspected cases across the continent since the start of 2024 and 517 confirmed deaths, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
More than 96% of all cases and deaths have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with many of those affected being children.
The WHO has declared mpox to be a “public health emergency of international concern,” adding that a coordinated international response is needed to stop the outbreak and save lives.
Hellbound and Down 