Far more diagnostic kits, treatments, and vaccines must be sent to Africa to combat a new strain of the mpox virus, according to the Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian network.
The current supply is inadequate to meet the growing demand.
“A critical shortage of testing, treatment, and vaccines exists across Africa,” said Bronwyn Nichol from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) during a media call.
These shortages are hindering containment efforts.
On Thursday, a case of the new mpox strain was confirmed in Sweden, marking the first spread outside Africa.
Health officials are concerned, especially since the World Health Organization has already declared the disease a global emergency.
Nichol expressed worries that cases outside Africa might lead wealthier nations to prioritize their own needs, potentially reducing promised support to international groups working in Africa.
“I hope it doesn’t impact planned donations,” she added.
WHO official Margaret Harris anticipates more cases outside Africa due to increased monitoring.
She noted that Sweden’s case indicates that vigilance is working.
Additionally, Gavi is prepared to allocate up to $500 million to provide vaccines to affected countries.
