Report By: Bunmi Yekini
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new global initiative to stop the spread of mpox, following a recent declaration of a public health emergency by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP), announced today, aims to coordinate efforts across the globe to halt human-to-human transmission of the virus.
The plan, which runs from September 2024 through February 2025, comes with a $135 million funding goal. This money will support a wide range of activities, from improving surveillance and prevention strategies to ensuring access to vaccines and diagnostic tests. Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of a united approach, saying, “The mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries can be controlled, and can be stopped. But it requires a comprehensive and coordinated plan of action.”
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The world health body is working closely with international and local partners, including Africa CDC, to lead the response, particularly in Africa where the virus is most widespread. A virtual conference on August 29-30, co-hosted by WHO and Africa CDC, will bring together experts to align research efforts with outbreak control strategies.
To ensure a coordinated response in Africa, WHO and Africa CDC have agreed to adopt a “one-plan, one-budget” approach as part of the Africa Continental Mpox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.
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In the coming weeks, WHO will launch a funding appeal to gather the necessary resources to put this plan into action. “This plan is built on principles of equity, global solidarity, and community empowerment,” Dr. Tedros noted, highlighting the importance of working together to protect the most vulnerable populations and prevent further spread of the virus.