The UN migration agency (IOM) has called for $18.5 million to fund an increase in preparedness for a surge in mpox cases in Africa.
In a statement published on Wednesday, the IOM warned that the spread of the virus across East, Horn, and Southern Africa “is a grave concern”.
The statement further noted that the region hosts 12.2 million international migrants, making it home to nearly half of all migrants in Africa.
According to the IOM, the outbreak of mpox in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda has highlighted the need for cross-border infection prevention measures.
The agency is now appealing for funds to support infection prevention, control, and response measures at border crossings.
The IOM also intends to help raise awareness about the disease among migrant and host communities.
Amimye Pope, IOM Director General, said, “We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region.”
According to the IOM, the preparedness and response plan aims to minimize the impact of the virus and mitigate the spread of the virus throughout the region.
The plan will be implemented in 13 countries at risk of mpox outbreaks, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.