Africa has secured under 10% of the $245 million needed to combat a growing mpox outbreak, according to a senior official from Africa CDC. The outbreak was declared a global health emergency by WHO in August.
The outbreak, which started in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spread to neighboring countries, requires urgent action. Africa CDC has estimated a total budget of $245 million for the response, including necessary resources.
Africa CDC Chief of Staff Ngashi Ngongo revealed the budget estimate at a WHO meeting in Brazzaville. So far, $20 million has been pledged: $10 million from the DRC government and $10.4 million from the African Union.
This leaves a funding gap of about $224 million. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC’s director general, stated that efforts are underway to secure nearly 1 million doses of mpox vaccine from various sources, including Bavarian Nordic, France, Germany, and Spain.
The timeline for when these vaccines will reach the DRC is still unclear. The country remains the hardest hit by the outbreak, highlighting the urgent need for additional funding and resources.
