Kinkini Gupta
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Africa CDC And WHO Launches ' Joint Action Response Plan' Amidst Upward Trend Of Mpox Cases
Mpox cases are on the rise in Africa, reports the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Keeping in mind this upward trend of cases in the region especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Africa CDC in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a 'joint continental response plan.' What is this plan all about and what are its aims and strategies to tackle mpox.
This 'Joint continental response plan' is going to stretch for a period of six months. It starts from September 2024 to February 2025. The estimate of budget for the fluid execution of the plan will be nearly $600 million. Of this budget, 55 per cent will be allocated to mpox response efforts in the countries that are affected. According to the report from agencies The remaining 45 per cent will be directed towards the operational and technical support through partner organisations.
The continent of Africa has reported 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths since 2024 as per reports from Africa CDC. Among the countries in Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported maximum cases as well as deaths pertaining to mpox. It has since then become the epicentre of the disease and accounts for 90 per cent of the total cases. Congo has reported 20,463 suspected cases, including 635 deaths in total.
An official from Africa CDC stated, "There is an 'upward trend' in mpox cases across Africa, with at least 14 countries affected, particularly since May 2024."