Following the declaration of a global emergency, WHO is requesting $87.4 million to curb the mpox epidemic.
THE ESSENTIAL
- Since August 14, the WHO has been mobilized against the epidemic of mpox, monkeypox.
- The cost of the global strategic plan against this epidemic shows a need of 135 million dollars.
- The organization urgently needs $87.4 million and is appealing to donors.
On 14 August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency in response to the outbreak of MPOX, formerly known as monkeypox. Given the magnitude of this health crisis, WHO requires $87.4 million over the next six months, from September 2024 to February 2025, to work with countries, partners and other stakeholders to contain and stop the spread of the virus.
Against MPOX, priority to surveillance and research
These funds will enable WHO to implement critical actions detailed in the Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP), released on 26 August 2024. The SPRP is a comprehensive framework developed to guide the global response to MPOX. It focuses on key areas such as surveillance, research, equitable access to medical countermeasures, and empowering affected communities.
Call for Donors to Respond to the MPOX Epidemic
The $87.4 million requested will be distributed among WHO headquarters, regional and country offices, to coordinate the response, provide technical assistance, manage operations and deliver needed medical supplies.
WHO urges donors to urgently fund the full MPOX response to prevent further spread and protect the most vulnerable populations.
Avoiding a global crisis
It should be noted that the Global Strategic Plan mentions a total requirement of $135 million. This amount represents the estimated budget for international support for national responses to MPOX, including the $87.4 million needed by WHO to implement this plan. The rapid mobilization of these funds is crucial to stop this epidemic and avoid an even more serious global health crisis.
