IOM appeals for $18.5m to combat Mpox outbreak

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has appealed to donor countries to raise $18.5 million in aid to provide healthcare services to those affected by the monkeypox outbreak in east and southern Africa.

The international agency said in a statement yesterday that the virus has been impacting people in the region for more than a decade, and the rapid spread of the new strain has compelled the World Health Organisation (WHO) to classify it as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”

The spread of #mpox across East, Horn, and Southern Africa is a grave concern, especially for vulnerable migrant, highly mobile populations.

IOM appeals for support to protect those at highest risk and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.https://t.co/PNhVpfPc3Z

— IOM – UN Migration 🇺🇳 (@UNmigration) August 21, 2024

“The required USD 18.5 million will be used to enhance the capacity to respond to the needs of migrants, IDPs, and host communities, by supporting infection, prevention, and control measures, particularly at borders.”

IOM Director General Amy Pope expressed deep concern over the spread of Mpox in east and southern Africa, as well as in the Horn of Africa. She highlighted the particular vulnerability of migrants, highly mobile populations and displaced persons who are often overlooked during such crises.

“We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region,” Pope stressed.

Mpox is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and sharing bedding, towels and clothing. Symptoms of the virus include a rash, malaise, fever, swollen lymph nodes, as well as chills, headaches and muscle pain.

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