WHO Targets Mpox Outbreak Containment in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) is targeting to contain an ongoing mpox outbreak in central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 27,000 suspected cases and 1,300 deaths have been reported this year. Despite anticipations of vaccine deliveries, none of the promised doses have yet arrived in affected African countries, delaying the planned rollout. UNICEF has issued an emergency tender for up to 12 million doses in collaboration with the WHO and GAVI to help secure vaccines for the hardest-hit areas. WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has assured that vaccines should arrive in the DRC soon, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and a pandemic treaty. The local health crisis remains critical, with reports of daily case increases and medical staff also affected. Experts stress the importance of African nations investing in their healthcare systems to reduce dependency on international aid for epidemic responses.