UNICEF Warns About Potential Threat to Children from Emerging Mpox Variant
The incidences of Mpox are cause for concern, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo reporting close to 18,000 cases. Notably, this disease is affecting children disproportionately. Health authorities aim to control this spread through vaccination, but as of yet, these vaccines have not been delivered.
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, highlights the vulnerability of children to this new variant of Mpox. They advocate for prioritizing children's needs in the battle against infections, as suggested by Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF's regional director for eastern and southern Africa.
Kadilli finds the situation in Burundi particularly alarming, with infection numbers nearly doubling in a week, according to the African health authority CDC Africa's latest data. She notes that 60% of the cases are among children and adolescents, and one out of five cases are in children under five. Moreover, measles have surfaced in various parts of the country, affecting unvaccinated and malnourished children.
The epicenter of Mpox outbreaks continues to be Central Africa, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo reporting approximately 17,800 cases since the beginning of the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a high alert level due to Mpox outbreaks in Africa and the potential new, more harmful variant - clade Ib. This is to spark global alertness and vigilance.
Originated from animals, Mpox can also spread from person to person, such as during intimate contact, leading to symptoms like skin pus-like sores, fever, and muscle pain.
Spreading concerns
Plans are underway for the delivery of 50,000 vaccine doses to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. However, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) expresses concern over the rapid pace of the disease's spread, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"Besides the recent mutation, we are also worried about the disease emerging in Goma's refugee camps, where people live in close proximity and the disease could spread rapidly," explains Jasmin Behrends, MSF's global health expert in Germany. In response, MSF has already intensified its work with emergency teams in eastern Congo for two months.
Health and safety measures are crucial in controlling the spread of Mpox, especially in areas with high infection rates like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNICEF emphasizes the need for prioritizing health and safety measures focused on children, as they are disproportionately affected by this disease.
