(ANSA) – ROME, SEPTEMBER 18 – School-age children between 5 and 19 now account for 33 percent of mpox cases in Burundi, posing a new challenge as families prepare for the upcoming school year, according to a UNICEF statement.
“The rising number of mpox cases among children in Burundi, including those under five, is deeply concerning and their protection is our top priority,” said France Bégin, UNICEF Representative in Burundi. “Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that all children can return to school safely during this outbreak. Our teams are working closely with the Ministry of Education to implement health measures in schools, safeguard students and prevent further disruption to learning.”
Since the first confirmed case on 25 July 2024, Burundi has reported 564 cases of mpox, of which 62.9% are among people under the age of 19, and over 1,576 suspected cases. There have been 1,774 reports in 34 of the country’s 49 health districts, with the three health districts of Bujumbura as the epicentre of the outbreak.
Children and vulnerable communities have been at the centre of a spreading mpox outbreak across Eastern and Southern Africa. With more than 3 million children in Burundi returning to school by 16 September 2024, UNICEF and the Government are stepping up efforts to get them back to learning safely.
As the lead partner for education and emergency preparedness, UNICEF is providing technical support to the Ministry of Education to help prevent the spread of the mpox virus in schools and support affected children to reduce the risk of dropping out of school.
The organization is calling for $58.8 million to address the growing mpox crisis in six African countries, including Burundi, where children are most affected. (ANSA).
2024-09-18 17:30:31