Smallpox outbreak sparks panic in East and Southern Africa as cases rise among children – UNICEF – RNA NEWS

Children and vulnerable communities are on the sharp end of a growing outbreak of mpox in East and Southern Africa, with more than 200 confirmed cases detected in five countries (Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa), UNICEF reported.

The new variant of the mpoxvirus (clade Ib) has been detected in all affected countries except South Africa. This is a concern because of the possible spread among different age groups, especially young children.

Burundi reports the highest number of infections in the region. As of August 20, 2024, 170 confirmed Mpox cases have been detected in 26 of the country’s 49 districts, 45.3% of whom are female. Children and adolescents under 20 years of age account for almost 60% of detected cases, with children under 5 years of age accounting for 21% of cases.

The risks to children in Burundi are greater due to the co-occurrence of measles outbreaks due to low routine childhood vaccination and high malnutrition rates. Although the response is still ongoing, the country continues to face multiple challenges, including shortages of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs and risks of disruption to the continuity of essential health services.

“The new strain of Mpox poses a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. In addition to immediate life-saving response, risk communication efforts and cross-border collaboration, investment in comprehensive health system strengthening, continuity of essential services and targeted focus on programmes that support the overall well-being of children must be prioritized,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli.

In addition to the direct effects of the disease, concerns remain about the secondary impact of Mpox outbreaks on children and adolescents, including stigma, discrimination, and disruptions to schooling and learning. For women and girls, the risk/threat of gender-based violence (including sexual abuse and exploitation) remains high as their burden of care includes caring for sick family members and supporting the basic needs for their families’ survival, as seen in previous public health emergencies. Based on experiences gained during responses to HIV, COVID-19, and Ebola outbreaks, there must be a collective effort to prioritize plans to support survivors, combat stigma, and facilitate continuity of basic social services, particularly learning and children’s reintegration into school and community.

In addition to the immediate concerns raised by the virus, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda are also facing multiple emergencies, including drought and flooding.

“In the fight against the Mpox outbreak, prioritizing the needs of children is not only necessary, but also urgent. Their increased vulnerability requires us to devote our full attention and resources to ensuring their protection and well-being in this critical phase of the response,” Kadilli added.

Across the region, UNICEF is responding to the Mpox outbreak together with WHO and Africa CDC, as part of government response plans with local partners. For example, UNICEF is supporting local communities to intensify risk communication and community engagement through local media and awareness-raising interventions. This includes prioritising care and good personal hygiene as an effective infection prevention and control measure.

UNICEF is currently appealing for an urgent $16.5 million to scale up the response and preparedness in the region. Funding needs are regularly reviewed as the situation changes rapidly. (End)

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