- The bulk of the financing will go toward tackling mpox in 14 most affected African countries, and enhancing readiness efforts in 15 others.
- Other funds will go into operational and technical support, ensuring that the plan is executed through a network of partners.
- Africa CDC and WHO hope to reduce the virus’s impact and curb its spread.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have teamed up to counter the spread of Mpox across the continent in a new plan estimated at $600 million. This initiative, which is set to run between September 2024 and February next year, is poised to firm up Africa’s capacity to check the spread of the virus, cushion the populations at most risk and curb the spread of the disease.
Across the continent, mpox is spreading, and although calls for vaccines continue to intensify, the need for countermeasures is imperative to check a full-blown attack.
The launch of the plan comes barely a month after Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security (PHECS), while WHO issued a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) the following day.
Africa CDC and WHO six-month plan
These declarations underline the urgency of addressing the outbreak, and this coordinated plan is a key response to that call for action. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of a unified approach: “This unified strategy ensures that all partners are aligned on common objectives, eliminating duplication and maximizing impact.”
WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, echoed this sentiment, noting that “our collective strength will carry us further, ensuring that communities and individuals are protected from the threat of this virus.”
The six-month plan outlines an ambitious budget, with $600 million earmarked for response efforts. Of this, 55 percent will go toward tackling mpox in the 14 most affected African Union Member States, as well as readiness efforts in 15 others. The remaining 45 percent will be directed toward operational and technical support, ensuring that the plan is executed effectively through a network of partners.
This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all necessary expertise and resources are made available to Member States to curb the spread of the virus and safeguard lives.
At the core of the Mpox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan is the need to strengthen surveillance and laboratory detection. Early detection is crucial in managing any outbreak, and this initiative will ramp up testing capabilities and real-time data collection across affected countries.
By enhancing surveillance systems, authorities will be able to identify cases earlier and track the spread of the virus more effectively. With improved laboratory capacity, Member States will be better equipped to diagnose cases promptly, preventing further transmission.
A critical component of the response plan is also the strengthening of community engagement. To effectively manage the spread of mpox, the involvement of local communities is paramount. The plan seeks to roll out public education campaigns that will inform people about the risks of transmission, the importance of early detection, and prevention measures.
By empowering communities with the knowledge to recognize and respond to mpox outbreaks, the Africa CDC and WHO hope to reduce the virus’s impact and curb its spread.
Building resilient healthcare systems is another key goal of the response plan. The availability of vaccines and treatments for mpox is critical, and this initiative seeks to ensure that such countermeasures are widely accessible.
Reduce mortality rate, check spread of virus
By providing healthcare workers and facilities with the resources they need to manage cases effectively, the plan aims to reduce mortality rates and prevent the virus from overwhelming fragile health systems. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures will also be scaled up, protecting healthcare workers and the general public from exposure to the virus.
The strategy recognizes that each country in Africa faces different risks and challenges regarding mpox. To address this, the Mpox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan tailors its approach by classifying African Union Member States into four categories based on their mpox status and risk levels.
Countries with sustained human-to-human transmission are prioritized for the most intensive interventions, including surveillance, case management, and vaccination campaigns. Other countries, where transmission is sporadic or where zoonotic reservoirs exist, are also a focus for monitoring and response efforts.
Additionally, neighboring countries are classified as needing enhanced readiness, given their proximity to areas of active transmission. Meanwhile, countries with minimal risk will maintain surveillance systems and remain prepared to respond if necessary.
To ensure that the response is effective, the plan lays out several priority actions for each category of countries. For instance, strengthening case management is crucial, as mpox patients require prompt and effective medical care to prevent further spread. Enhancing laboratory detection and infection prevention protocols will also play a key role in managing the outbreak.
Vaccination is another essential pillar of the strategy, with efforts focused on ensuring that high-risk populations have access to vaccines.
Read also: Relief for DRC: 100,000 mpox vaccines to shield at-risk populations
Controlling mpox outbreak
Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) are integral to the success of the response plan. Public trust and cooperation are critical in managing an outbreak, and by communicating the risks of transmission and the importance of preventive measures, the Africa CDC and WHO hope to ensure that communities are well-informed and active participants in controlling the virus.
Furthermore, research and innovation will be key drivers of the plan, as ongoing studies aim to deepen understanding of mpox transmission and develop new treatments and preventive tools.
The Mpox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan is modelled as a unified effort involving numerous partners, from UN agencies to civil society organizations. This collective approach aims at ensuring resources are maximized and that there is no duplication of efforts.
The plan follows the principle of “one team, one plan, one budget, one M&E” in line with the Lusaka Agenda, ensuring that all stakeholders are working toward the same goals. To that end, a continental Incident Management Team has been established, consisting of members from key partners to oversee the day-to-day implementation of the response.
