Africa faces a formidable challenge in combating the surge of mpox, a potentially lethal viral infection. The continent is grappling with a severe outbreak that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to neighboring countries. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency, Africa’s fight against this outbreak is hampered by a significant funding gap, leaving the continent critically under-resourced.

The Urgent Need for Funding

The Africa CDC has estimated that USD 245 million is required to effectively combat the mpox outbreak across the continent. However, to date, less than 10% of this critical funding has been secured. This shortfall in financial support poses a serious threat to Africa’s ability to contain the spread of the virus and protect its population.

Financial Contributions So Far

The Democratic Republic of Congo has pledged USD 10 million, while the African Union has approved USD 10.4 million in funding. Combined, these contributions amount to approximately USD 20 million, a mere fraction of the estimated USD 245 million needed.

The Gap in Funding

The significant funding gap, currently estimated at USD 224 million, represents a major obstacle to a robust mpox response in Africa. The lack of sufficient funds impedes critical interventions like:

• Surveillance and testing: Comprehensive surveillance efforts are crucial for identifying cases, tracing contacts, and monitoring the spread of the virus. Insufficient funding limits the capacity to effectively implement these measures.
• Treatment and care: Access to prompt and effective treatment is vital for managing the symptoms and complications of mpox. Limited funding restricts the availability of essential medications and medical supplies.
• Vaccination and prevention: Vaccination campaigns play a key role in protecting vulnerable populations and slowing down transmission. A lack of financial resources hinders the procurement and distribution of much-needed vaccines.
• Public awareness and education: Raising public awareness about the virus, its transmission, and preventative measures is essential for reducing its spread. Limited funding makes it difficult to conduct effective public health campaigns.

Efforts to Secure Vaccines

Despite the significant funding constraints, the Africa CDC is actively working to secure vaccines for mpox. The organization is pursuing various partnerships and agreements to acquire almost 1 million doses of vaccine. These include:

• Bavarian Nordic: 215,000 doses have been secured from vaccine maker Bavarian Nordic.
• France: A commitment of 100,000 doses has been received from France.
• Germany: Nearly 100,000 doses are being provided by Germany.
• Spain: A significant contribution of approximately 500,000 doses is expected from Spain.

However, the delivery timeline for these vaccines to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the most heavily impacted country, remains uncertain. The lack of a defined timeframe highlights the urgency for the rapid deployment of vaccines and other critical resources.

Mpox: A Threat to Public Health

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact and can be transmitted through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. The disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms and the development of pustules, often accompanied by fever, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. While mpox can be mild in many cases, it can be fatal, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Addressing the Challenge

The underfunding of the mpox response in Africa is a grave concern. The lack of resources undermines the continent’s ability to effectively combat the outbreak and protect its people. The urgent call for increased financial support is paramount to bolstering the mpox response in Africa and safeguarding public health.

Take Away Points

• The fight against the mpox outbreak in Africa is severely hampered by a critical funding gap, hindering essential interventions like surveillance, treatment, vaccination, and public health campaigns.
• Less than 10% of the estimated USD 245 million needed to combat the outbreak has been secured, creating a USD 224 million deficit.
• The Africa CDC is working to secure almost 1 million doses of vaccine but faces challenges in deploying these resources quickly and effectively.
• Increased international support is crucial for addressing the funding gap and enabling Africa to mount a strong and comprehensive response to the mpox outbreak.