Friday August 23, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urgently appealing for $18.5 million to address the rapidly worsening mpox outbreak across East, Horn, and Southern Africa. The funds will be used to provide critical healthcare services to vulnerable populations, including migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities, who face heightened risks due to poor living conditions and limited access to medical care.
This appeal comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been particularly hard hit, with over 15,000 suspected cases and 537 deaths reported. The new strain of mpox spreading in the region has a death rate of 3-4% and is noted for its quicker transmission and milder symptoms, complicating detection efforts. Other confirmed cases have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
Despite not yet reporting any mpox cases, Somalia has ramped up preventive measures. Public awareness campaigns have been launched in partnership with regional health ministries to educate citizens about mpox symptoms and the importance of seeking medical attention. Healthcare workers across Somalia have been trained to identify and manage potential cases, reflecting the country’s proactive approach to preventing an outbreak.
“The spread of mpox across East, Horn, and Southern Africa is a grave concern, especially for the vulnerable migrant, highly mobile populations, and displaced communities often overlooked in such crises,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region.”
The IOM’s appeal focuses on enhancing infection prevention and control measures, particularly in border areas with the highest risk of transmission. The funds will also support the training of national healthcare workers and frontline responders, as well as the identification of high-risk areas for effective monitoring and containment of the disease. Additionally, the IOM plans to promote awareness-raising campaigns among migrant, IDP, and host communities and to strengthen cross-border coordination as part of its broader Health, Border, and Mobility Management Framework.
The WHO has urged affected countries, including the DRC, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, to prepare for potential vaccination campaigns, mainly targeting high-risk populations. While no vaccines have been approved in Kenya yet, the WHO has committed to assisting countries in speeding up regulatory approvals.