
The United Nations Children’s Agency (UNICEF) has raised concerns over the severe impact of the mpox outbreak on children in Burundi. According to UNICEF, the outbreak has shown alarming rates of infection, particularly among young people.
UNICEF’s Regional Health Advisor, Dr. Paul Ngwakum, stated that two-thirds of the nearly 600 reported cases involve children under 19. The number of cases has surged by over 40% in just three weeks.
During a recent visit to Burundi, Dr. Ngwakum met with families, teachers, and health workers. They are struggling to both treat and protect children while ensuring their education continues amid the outbreak.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, spreads primarily through close contact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can also be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
UNICEF is collaborating with WHO, Africa CDC, and other partners to lead the response. They are focusing on risk communication, infection prevention, and mental health support for affected families and frontline workers.
The outbreak has disproportionately affected children under five, representing 30% of cases. UNICEF stresses the urgent need for targeted interventions as schools in Burundi reopened on September 16.