Implement Decisions

Since the outbreak of Mpox virus many countries have been earmarking strategies to prevent the virus from spreading. In the Democratic Republic of Congo where the highest number of cases (18.000 suspected cases and 615 deaths) have been reported, the government is leaving no stone unturned to make sure the people are sensitize. Mpox which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but typically causes milder symptoms like fever, chills and body aches, is mostly spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse. Because people with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken the bull by the horn by launching a six-month plan to help halt its transmission. The plan from September 2024 to February 2025 will require $135 million in funding and aims to also improve fair access to vaccines.
For the plan to be a success, rapid concrete decisions have to be taken by stakeholders in the health sector especially those in Africa who are currently meeting in Congo-Brazzaville for the 74th session of the Regional Committee for Africa. After declaring Mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024, experts are now expected to work hand-in-glove with affected countries and international partners s...