Emergency mpox Response

We are deeply concerned for the health and well-being of children at risk of the mpox virus, which is spreading quickly in Africa and beyond. More than a dozen countries have reported cases. The World Health Organisation declared the increase in mpox cases a public health emergency of international concern

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC )is currently worst impacted, with thousands of children at risk of infection from the virus. Conflict in the DRC is increasing the risk of vulnerable children as displaced people are forced to live in crowded camps and because sexual violence levels are high.  Several provinces where we have existing programmes, including South Kivu and South Ubangi, are hotspots for mpox.  

“The level of the disease can increase in camps where displaced people are living, due to crowded conditions and high levels of sexual violence," explains Aline Napon, World Vision DRC Country Director. "These environments encourage the rapid spread of infectious diseases where close physical contact is almost inevitable. Children living in the DRC, where conflict, displacement and natural disasters are all taking place are at real risk of this serious and rapidly spreading disease.” 

We are taking immediate steps to protect vulnerable children. Our initial response will target outbreak countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Central African Republic and Chad, while monitoring countries of concern: Tanzania, Mozambique and South Sudan.