Monkeypox, the epidemic expands in eastern and southern Africa and affects children, over 200 cases in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa

ROMA – It’s the Burundi is the African country that is recording the highest number of infections in the entire region. As of August 20, 2024, 170 confirmed cases of Mpox (the acronym that identifies, precisely, the so-called monkeypox) have been detected in 26 of the 49 districts of the country. Children and adolescents under the age of 20 make up almost 60% of the detected cases, while children under 5 years of age represent 21% of the cases. In short, as always, it is the most vulnerable and poorest people who are at the center of this epidemic on the rise in eastern and southern Africa. As reported by theUNICEFmore than 200 confirmed cases have been detected in five countries (Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa).

The new variant of the Mpox virus. Is called clade Ib and has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa, and raises concerns about its potential for transmission to broader age groups, particularly young children. Burundi is currently the most affected country with 170 confirmed cases: 45.3% are women. The risks to children in Burundi are increased due to the concurrent occurrence of measles outbreaks resulting from poor routine childhood immunization and high rates of malnutrition. Although the response is ongoing, the country continues to face multiple challenges, including shortages of diagnostic kits and drugs, poor community awareness, high operational costs and the risk of disruption to essential health services.

It is now a serious threat. “The new strain of Mpox poses a grave threat to vulnerable children and families,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli. “In addition to the immediate life-saving response, risk communication efforts and cross-border collaboration, there is a need to prioritize investments in overall health system strengthening, continuity of essential services and targeted attention to programmes that support the overall well-being of children.”

The secondary impacts of the disease. 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 care burden includes caring for sick family members and supporting the basic survival needs of their families, as seen in previous public health emergencies.

Experiences that teach. Drawing on experiences gained during the responses to the HIV, COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, a collective effort is needed to prioritize survivor support plans, combat stigma and facilitate the continuity of basic social services, especially learning and reintegration of children into school and the community. In addition to the immediate concerns posed by the virus, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda are grappling with multiple emergencies, including drought and flooding.

UNICEF’s responses. Across the region, UNICEF is responding to the Mpox outbreak together with WHO and Africa CDC, as part of the Government and local partners’ response plans. For example, the International Organization is supporting local communities to step up risk communication and community engagement through local media and awareness-raising interventions. This includes prioritizing grooming and good personal hygiene as an effective infection prevention and control measure. The United Nations Fund for childhood (UNICEF is currently appealing for US$16.5 million to scale up response and preparedness across the region. Funding needs will be reviewed regularly as the situation is rapidly evolving.