Africa CDC Rallies $600 Million to Combat Mpox Outbreak

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) aims to secure $600 million to address a growing mpox outbreak, with support from various partners including GAVI and The Pandemic Fund. Africa has seen over 26,000 suspected mpox cases with 724 deaths this year, primarily affecting children under 15 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has set an ambitious target to raise $600 million to combat a burgeoning mpox outbreak across the continent, according to its director general, Jean Kaseya. The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency in mid-August as the disease spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring nations.

Kaseya confidently affirmed the agency's ability to raise the $600 million, substantially higher than the initial $245 million estimated cost. The boost in funding needs excludes vaccine costs. Potential funding sources include African Union countries, development partners, and the private sector, with international vaccine alliance GAVI pledging support.

Kaseya highlighted that technology transfer agreements could reduce vaccine prices by up to 90%. Africa CDC has initiated discussions with Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic for local manufacturing of the mpox vaccine. The funds raised and initiatives announced will be detailed at the U.N. General Assembly in New York this month, as Africa contends with over 26,000 suspected mpox cases and 724 deaths, most significantly impacting children under 15 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to UNICEF.

(With inputs from agencies.)