Outbreak of mpox in central and eastern Africa
Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is releasing EUR 50,000 from its emergency response fund to respond to thempox outbreak in Central and East Africa, with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This will allow us to monitor the outbreak and scale up further if needed. In recent weeks, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders has already supported Rwandan and Burundian Red Cross initiatives in this regard. This through the regular support of the Belgian Federal Government. Our teams in the region are in frequent contact with our sister associations and are closely monitoring the situation.
Mpox, what is that?
Mpox is a viral infection transmitted by close physical contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include skin rash, blisters, fever, and headache. In some cases, the infection can be fatal. There are vaccines available that are effective in certain cases, but they are not currently widely available in the affected region.
Currently, the virus primarily affects children. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 70% of cases are under the age of 18. In Burundi, children between the ages of 0-5 count for nearly 40% of cases.
More information can be found here.
Red Cross actions in the region
Democratic Republic of Congo
Local Red Cross volunteers are conducting awareness campaigns and distributing hygiene products to prevent further spread of the virus.
Rwanda
Recently, 90 volunteers were trained to educate communities about mpox. 10,500 pieces of soap have been distributed and psychosocial support is being provided.
Burundi
Sensitization campaigns in several provinces to combat rumors and disinformation.
Uganda
Community-based surveillance in Kasese district, with the goal of early detection of new cases.
How can you help?
Make a donation: your donations help us to provide essential aid in the affected areas. You can do this via this webpage or via the account number BE53 0000 0000 5353 with the mention 'Mpox'.
Updates
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024: Belgian Red Cross-Flanders intensifies efforts against mpox outbreak
In response to the AfricaCDC's alarming figures on the recent mpox outbreak in Central and East Africa, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is stepping up its humanitarian assistance in the region. Since January 2024, suspected mpox infections have risen to 24,783 - 77% more than in mid-August - of which 5,549 have been confirmed. The number of deaths rose to 643 - 26% more than in mid-August - while experts warn that these figures may underestimate the real situation. Children are particularly affected. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, as many as 63% of cases and 81% of deaths are children under the age of 15.
Deployment Emergency Fund
In response to this humanitarian crisis, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is releasing an additional €50,000 from its Emergency Relief Fund, on top of the €50,000 previously donated. These funds will be used for sensitization, monitoring and hygiene measures in the affected regions (DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya) to contain the spread of the virus.
Belgian Red Cross-Flanders Sends employee to region
In addition, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is sending an operations manager to the Central African Republic who will strengthen coordination of aid on the ground.
The operations manager will oversee cooperation between local departments and international aid workers and monitoring of the crisis. She will ensure that humanitarian aid is implemented efficiently, security risks are closely monitored and finances are managed responsibly. This commitment is critical to effectively coordinating the response and providing continued support to the local population.
Wednesday, Aug. 14 - situation report
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
More than 14,000 reported infections and 511 deaths since the beginning of the year.
Mpox have been present in DRC for years, but the current outbreak is particularly severe with the spread to neighboring countries.
Limited access to testing in remote areas, so actual numbers may be much higher.
Spread to neighboring countries
In July, the first cases were reported in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.
The current outbreak in eastern DRC is caused by a new variant that causes more severe disease than previous variants.