New Delhi: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing an outbreak of mpox. From the beginning of the year to 31 August 2024, the DRC has recorded more than 21,000 suspected mpox cases, including over 5,000 confirmed cases and 700 deaths. The outbreak is mostly affecting children under the age of 15, a UNICEF press release stated.
To address the urgent public health need, UNICEF is scaling up its efforts to protect children from mpox. UNICEF is supporting the government in its efforts to contain the outbreak through the prevention and control of infections, risk communication and community engagement, nutrition, mental health and psychological support, and operational research.
UNICEF has received its first shipments of the mpox vaccine totaling 215,000 doses. The vaccines are being distributed to health workers in the country to ensure their proper use and to reach the most vulnerable children. UNICEF is also supporting the vaccine roll-out through related supplies and logistics, and training of health workers in transportation, storage, and administration of vaccines to patients.
UNICEF is also carrying out community engagement activities to reach 46 million people across the country with mpox messages via mass media, face-to-face engagement, and SMS and digital channels. UNICEF is supporting risk communication and community engagement across all 26 provinces. Despite the ongoing challenges, UNICEF is committed to providing support and protection to children affected by mpox.