WHO appeals for $87 million to combat mpox outbreak
From September 2024 to February 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal for financial support following the declaration of a global emergency concerning the mpox outbreak. The WHO has called for $87.4 million over the next six months—from September 2024 to February 2025—to boost its efforts in halting and containing the current mpox crisis.
The appeal is based on the WHO’s announcement of the Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for mpox, released on August 26, 2024.
This comprehensive framework, which leaves no stone unturned, outlines the steps to address the global health emergency, focusing on crucial areas such as enhanced surveillance, research, equitable access to medical countermeasures, and community engagement.
The required funds will be allocated across WHO headquarters and regional and country offices to facilitate coordination, provide technical assistance, manage operations, and deliver essential medical supplies. This funding is critical to implementing the activities detailed in the SPRP, which aims to guide the global response to the mpox outbreak.
Global warning
The latest mpox outbreak was officially declared a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024, by the WHO Director-General. This decision followed the identification of a new clade of mpox in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, its spread to neighbouring countries with no prior mpox cases, and the risk of further regional and global transmission.
The SPRP outlines an initial six-month operation focused on controlling the spread of human-to-human transmission and underscores the need for a total of $135 million to support international and national response efforts. Of this amount, $87.4 million is earmarked explicitly for WHO’s direct implementation of the response plan.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has emphasised the urgency of the appeal, stating: “The scale and speed of the mpox outbreak necessitate a robust and well-resourced global response. We urge donors to provide the necessary funding to help us protect the most vulnerable and prevent further spread of this disease.”
The SPRP highlights several vital objectives, including strengthening surveillance systems, accelerating research and development of treatments and vaccines, ensuring equitable distribution of medical resources, and empowering communities to take preventive measures. This community involvement is crucial in our collective fight against mpox.
As WHO gears up for this critical response, it has called upon governments, organisations, and philanthropic entities to contribute generously and promptly to the mpox response efforts. The successful containment of this outbreak hinges on swift and comprehensive action supported by adequate funding.
Featured image: The required funds will be allocated across WHO headquarters and regional and country offices. Credit: Polina Tankilevitch
