16/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 16/08/2024 20:46
KINSHASA/DAKAR, 16 August 2024 - Thousands of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries are at significant risk of contracting the mpox virus as cases of a new, more deadly, variant continue to surge, UNICEF warned today.
Since the start of the year, an estimated 8,772 children have contracted the disease in the DRC -more than half of the country's 15,664 total reported cases - according to the latest available data. A total of 548 people have died, an estimated 463 of those were children.
"This new mpox variant outbreak is one more worrying threat for children and families, with many already living through ongoing conflict and displacement, cholera and polio outbreaks, and malnutrition," said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou. "The evidence indicates that children, especially those malnourished or affected by other illnesses, are the most vulnerable to catching and dying from this strain of mpox. Protecting them must be the top priority."
On 13 August, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the surge of mpox in the DRC and other African countries as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
That was followed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has now declared the surge of cases a Public Health Emergency of International Concern(PHEIC), with children under 5 years of age facing the highest risk of death, and pregnant woman especially vulnerable.
UNICEF is working with the Africa CDC and WHO, as well as other partners such as USAID and FCDO, to support national governments. In the DRC, UNICEF is working with the government on an mpox preparedness and response plan, with a focus on saving lives and protecting the most vulnerable children in the provinces of South Kivu, South Ubangi and Sankuru through:
UNICEF DRC is appealing for $4,581,000 to scale up interventions in a country that is already suffering funding shortfalls for emergencies linked to other disease outbreaks and ongoing conflict. An additional $1 million is required in West and Central Africa for regional preparedness, coordination and response efforts.
"The mpox outbreak is overwhelming a healthcare system already weakened by previous epidemics. Without immediate action and additional funding, the consequences for children will be severe," added Fagninou.
UNICEF is the world's leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.caand follow us on Twitter,Facebookand Instagram.