Christian aid agency World Vision is asking for urgent international motion after a latest deadly strain of mpox was declared a world health emergency.Â
The virus has killed tons of in Central and West Africa, and the World Health Organization fears that it would cross into other continents. The first case outside Africa was reported in Sweden on Thursday.Â
World Vision said that children in poorer nations are particularly in danger.Â
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, over a 3rd of the 7,851 reported cases (39%) are children. Some 240 children have died from the virus within the DRC, amounting to 62% of the entire death toll from mpox within the country.Â
World Vision said that children in DRC face a “grave” risk of dying and there was a “pressing need” for “swift intervention”, including the distribution of vaccines, clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to forestall more deaths.Â
National Director of World Vision DR Congo, Aline Napon said, “Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox, especially in low and middle-income countries, including those suffering humanitarian crises and where health and social services are weak or non-existent.
“Children are especially in danger where they reside in refugee camps, overcrowded urban settlements, and where malnutrition, an absence of fresh water and sanitation, and poor health services exist.”
She is asking for a rapid response from the international community to support the roll-out of vaccinations and public education programmes, and step up treatment for those already infected.Â
“World Vision’s experience in tackling Ebola and COVID in humanitarian situations tells us that there isn’t any time to waste,” she said.
“People in DR Congo and other impacted countries need immediate free treatment for mpox. There must even be a right away immunisation programme arrange to forestall further infection and mortality. We cannot stand by while children die from this deadly but preventable disease.”
