UK Commits £5.5M to Combat Mpox Outbreaks

The UK has committed £5.5 million to support vital research projects aimed at tackling the ongoing mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries.

UK Investment to Combat Mpox Outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa

The UK’s investment comes at a critical time, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024.

This declaration was made due to the rapid spread of a new clade of the virus, particularly in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries.

 

Research and Response Efforts

The £5.5 million will be allocated to various research projects focused on understanding the transmission dynamics of the virus, developing and evaluating diagnostics and vaccines, and enhancing surveillance and response activities.

This funding is part of a broader international effort to curb the spread of mpox, which has seen significant increases in cases and deaths in the region. Since the beginning of 2024, there have been over 30,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa, resulting in more than 800 deaths.

 

Economic and Health Implications

The outbreak of mpox not only poses a significant health risk but also has broader economic and social implications. The virus’s spread can disrupt healthcare services, affect economic activities, and exacerbate existing health challenges in the region.

The UK’s financial support is designed to bolster the national and regional response, strengthening surveillance systems, reinforcing health services, and raising community awareness of the risks and protective measures.

Some Statistics

  • £5.5 million allocated for research projects
  • Over 30,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa since the beginning of 2024
  • More than 800 deaths attributed to mpox in the same period

 

Leadership and Industry Response

The UK is working in partnership with others to bolster the national and wider regional response. This vital support will help stem the spread of this deadly disease, protecting communities in DRC, the wider Africa region, and at home in the UK.

Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development.

The UK’s support includes the deployment of experts from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team to provide technical expertise to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the WHO.

 

Progress and Targets

  • The WHO has reported over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths in the DRC alone
  • A significant increase in cases compared to the previous year
  • Immediate funding requirement of $15 million to support surveillance, preparedness, and response activities

 

Local and Regional Impact

The UK’s financial and technical support will have a direct impact on communities in the DRC and neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. These countries have seen recent outbreaks of mpox, with over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of the new clade reported in these regions.

The support will help in strengthening health services, enhancing disease surveillance, and raising awareness among local communities.

 

Immediate Implications

The immediate implication of this investment is the potential to slow down the spread of mpox and reduce the number of cases and deaths. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing public health emergencies.

 

Broader Significance

This investment highlights the UK’s commitment to global health security and its role in supporting international efforts to combat infectious diseases.

It also emphasizes the need for sustained funding and technical support to build resilient health systems, particularly in regions most affected by such outbreaks.

 

Ivan Golden

Ivan Golden

Ivan Golden founded THX News™ with the goal of restoring trust in journalism. As CEO and an investigative journalist, he leads the organization's efforts to deliver unbiased, fact-checked reporting to readers worldwide. He is committed to uncovering the truth and providing context to the stories that shape our world. Read his insightful articles on THX News.

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