Number of disease cases rises
Unicef sees children particularly at risk due to the new variant of the disease Mpox
22.08.2024, 10:51 AM
The UN children’s agency Unicef sees children particularly at risk due to the new variant of the disease Mpox. The needs of children should therefore have special priority in combating infections, demands Etleva Kadilli, the Unicef Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.
She described the situation in Burundi as particularly alarming, where recent reports from the African health authority CDC Africa indicate that the number of infections has nearly doubled within a week. In this, 60 percent of the disease cases have been found in children and adolescents, with one-fifth of cases in children under five, according to Kadilli. Additionally, there are outbreaks of measles in several parts of the country, and many children are unvaccinated and malnourished.
According to CDC, the focus of Mpox outbreaks remains in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where nearly 17,800 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the highest alert level due to the Mpox outbreaks in Africa and the new, potentially more dangerous variant – referred to as Clade Ib. Preparations are currently underway for the arrival of 50,000 vaccine doses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as in Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Emerging Health Crisis
Rising Mpox Cases Pose Significant Threat to Children
August 22, 2024
Recent reports indicate a troubling surge in Mpox infections, particularly among children. This surge has prompted UNICEF to emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions focused on pediatric populations. As African health authorities report alarming increases in infection rates, vulnerable groups—especially the young—are bearing the brunt of this health crisis.
In Burundi, for instance, the African health agency CDC Africa highlighted that nearly 60% of current Mpox cases involve children and adolescents, with a concerning one-fifth of infections affecting those under five years old. The situation is exacerbated by simultaneous outbreaks of measles and prevalent undernutrition, painting a grim picture of healthcare resilience in the region.
Central Africa remains the epicenter of the Mpox outbreak, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where nearly 17,800 infections have been logged since the beginning of the year. The World Health Organization has responded with heightened alarm due to the emergence of a new, potentially more dangerous variant known as Clade Ib. This escalating crisis has prompted plans to distribute 50,000 vaccine doses to several countries, highlighting the urgency of preventative measures.
Given these developments, future trends suggest an increasing focus on pediatric healthcare in outbreak responses, particularly in regions like Africa where children face compounding health threats. Policymakers, health authorities, and humanitarian organizations may need to recalibrate their strategies to ensure that children’s health remains a priority in the face of rising infectious diseases.