The UK Government has allocated £3.1 million to address the Mpox outbreak, as reported by Wales Online. This funding is aimed at containing the disease, previously known as monkeypox. The Africa Minister, Lord Collins of Highbury, made this announcement during a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified around 15,000 cases of Mpox in the DRC in 2024, with 500 reported deaths. Additionally, WHO noted over 20,770 cases of cholera in the DRC and similar outbreaks in Ethiopia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Lord Collins emphasised the importance of collaboration with Congolese scientists to prevent the disease from spreading globally. The UK’s support is expected to benefit over 4.4 million people in affected communities. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with Unicef. WHO recently declared the upsurge of Mpox cases in the DRC as a public health emergency of international concern.
Dr. Meera Chand from the UK Health Security Agency assured the public of limited risk to the UK population but mentioned ongoing preparations to handle any potential cases. This includes raising awareness among clinicians, facilitating rapid testing, and establishing protocols for the safe management of infected individuals and prevention of transmission.
The government’s financial assistance is part of a broader effort to safeguard global health security and protect communities in the DRC. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of disease transmission beyond the already affected regions. Lord Collins highlighted the significance of working collectively with partners to combat outbreaks effectively.
The support provided by the UK Government will play a crucial role in containing the Mpox outbreak and addressing the health challenges faced by communities in the DRC. Collaborative efforts between international organisations, governments, and local experts are vital in ensuring the successful containment of infectious diseases for the benefit of all.