Christians asked to wish for areas affected by mpox

Christians are being asked to wish for areas affected by the outbreak of mpox and advocate for the distribution of vaccines to limit the spread of the deadly virus. 

The World Health Organisation has declared mpox a world health emergency and travellers to affected areas are being urged to contemplate getting vaccinated. 

Steve Fouch, of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said the virus risked becoming a “major health crisis” amongst poorer nations in Africa unless steps are taken to halt its spread. 

He desires to see countries with vaccine stocks just like the UK share these with nations already grappling with the outbreak, just like the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

“Is mpox something we must always be fearful about within the UK? Yes, but not because there may be currently an actual risk of a big outbreak here,” he said.

“This is a problem of justice and look after the poor because it would cause a serious health crisis among the many poorer nations of Africa, specifically, if it will not be controlled. And it might probably be controlled – by vaccination and by keeping those with symptoms physically separate from others until the symptoms clear up.

“Christians needs to be concerned about keeping our neighbours in the worldwide south protected.” 

Mr Fouch added that Christians have a job to play within the dissemination of “accurate” information in regards to the virus and “not the hysterical stories and conspiracy theories that may inevitably flow into on social media in the approaching weeks”.

“It’s crucial that we counter misinformation with accurate information,” he said. 

He cautioned against alarm and asked Christians to wish and trust in God as a substitute.

“Many Christians, each Congolese and Western expatriates, work within the affected areas – we must always be praying for them as they look after and minister to those infected with mpox,” he said.

“Above all, we must always stay calm and trust the Lord – such outbreaks have happened countless times before and can occur again, but we’d like not fear if we trust in Him.”