UNAIDS calls for urgent action as new Mpox variant threatens vulnerable communities

Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has issued an urgent call for action in response to the alarming spread of a new Mpox variant, which is hitting vulnerable communities hardest.

Byanyima, who has been at the forefront of global health advocacy, stressed the dire need for vaccine manufacturers to ramp up production and for international partners to swiftly deliver medicines and services to those most in need.

In a statement shared on social media, Byanyima underscored the life-threatening implications of the outbreak, warning that "lives are on the line" if the global community does not act immediately.

The new Mpox variant has emerged as a significant global health threat, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the outbreak a global health emergency.

The virus has been particularly devastating in Africa, where health systems are already burdened by other infectious diseases and resource constraints.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at the epicentre of this crisis, with over 96% of the cases and deaths recorded on the continent this year.

The rapid transmission of the virus and its increased severity are straining healthcare systems to the breaking point.

Byanyima’s call to action comes as health experts warn that the world is unprepared for the scale of this outbreak.

The situation in the DRC is especially dire, with over 14,000 cases and more than 500 deaths reported in 2024 alone.

The virus’s ability to spread quickly, particularly in densely populated and underserved areas, poses a significant challenge to global health efforts.

UNAIDS, along with WHO and other international organizations, is urging for an immediate and coordinated response to prevent the outbreak from escalating further.

As the world grapples with this growing crisis, the focus is now shifting to countries like Uganda, which share borders with high-risk regions like the DRC.

Uganda already detected two Mpox cases, marking the first time the virus has been confirmed within its borders.

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that both cases were successfully treated, but the risk remains high due to Uganda’s proximity to the DRC and the significant cross-border movement.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health placed 23 districts, particularly those along the DRC border, on high alert. These districts include those that host refugees from the DRC, as well as Kampala, the capital city.

The Ministry has reactivated its emergency response mechanisms, modeled after strategies used during previous Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks.

A comprehensive Mpox preparedness and response plan has also been developed to mitigate the risk of further spread.

Minister Aceng, in a statement to Parliament, emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness, especially in high-risk areas such as schools and prisons, where congestion could facilitate rapid transmission.

The Ministry is also exploring vaccination options, with two vaccines currently under consideration for deployment.

Uganda’s proactive measures reflect the seriousness with which the government is approaching the Mpox threat.

However, the situation underscores the broader need for global solidarity in tackling this public health emergency.

Byanyima’s warning serves as a critical reminder that without immediate and concerted action, the Mpox outbreak could have devastating consequences, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

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