UNICEF has recently sounded the alarm over the rapid spread of the Mpox outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa, with children and vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of the crisis. The United Nations agency has reported over 200 confirmed cases of the virus in five countries: Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
A new variant of the Mpox virus, known as clade Ib, has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa. There are growing concerns about the potential spread of the virus across various age groups, particularly among young children. Burundi is currently the hardest-hit country in the region, with 170 confirmed cases reported as of August 20, 2024. Alarmingly, nearly 60% of these cases involve children and adolescents under the age of 20, with children under five accounting for 21% of the infections. Additionally, 45.3% of those infected are female.
The outbreak in Burundi is further compounded by concurrent health challenges, including measles outbreaks and high malnutrition rates among children. These issues have been exacerbated by low routine immunization coverage, shortages of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs, and risks to the continuity of essential healthcare services.
Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, has emphasized the seriousness of the new strain of Mpox and the threat it poses to vulnerable children and families. In addition to immediate lifesaving response efforts, Kadilli stressed the importance of risk communication, cross-border collaboration, investments in health system strengthening, continuity of essential services, and targeted programs that support overall child well-being.
UNICEF has also highlighted concerns over the secondary impact of the Mpox outbreak on children and adolescents, including stigma, discrimination, and disruptions to education. Women and girls are particularly at risk of gender-based violence as they care for sick family members.
Drawing on lessons learned from previous public health emergencies, UNICEF emphasized the need for a collective effort to support survivors, combat stigma, and ensure the continuity of basic social services, particularly education. In addition to the Mpox outbreak, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda are facing multiple emergencies, including drought and floods, which are further straining resources and response efforts.
UNICEF, alongside the World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is actively responding to the outbreak as part of government-led response plans. Efforts include intensifying risk communication, community engagement, and promoting personal hygiene as an effective infection prevention and control measure.
To scale up the response and preparedness across the region, UNICEF has issued an urgent appeal for $16.5 million in funding. The organization has indicated that these needs will be regularly reassessed as the situation continues to evolve. It is crucial to prioritize the needs of children in this critical response phase to ensure their protection and well-being.