Global health charity Médecins du Monde issued an urgent call on Thursday for international action against the Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) virus.
The organisation is particularly focused on ensuring access to screening, care, and vaccinations, even in isolated and insecure areas, emphasising that "no one can be excluded for security, logistical or financial reasons."
The charity trained and supported 20 health professionals, 65 community workers, and over 350 sex workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of a rapid response mission. Since September 2023, the DRC has been the epicentre of the Mpox outbreak, a situation mirrored in bordering countries.
"We are highly concerned today as the Mpox virus primarily targets the most vulnerable," the charity warned. "To save lives, we must act now by vaccinating the population and supporting health systems."
Figures from the Africa CDC (African Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) indicate a 160% increase in infectivity rates from the virus as of the end of July, compared with 2023. This reflects close to 19,000 cases and nearly 700 deaths in 13 African countries.
The advent of new cases, coupled with the vaccine's uncertain availability and steep cost, makes the Mpox virus a significant challenge for already frail health systems, Médecins du Monde cautioned.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak an "international public health emergency" in August. Congo is the hardest-hit country by this new variant. The first shipment of Mpox vaccines is due to arrive in the DRC on Thursday.
