In a letter to the Foreign Secretary, over 55 domestic and globally-focused health groups have called on the UK to take ‘immediate, bold, and continuing action’ to prevent Mpox from developing into a pandemic.
Their demands include supporting the rapid distribution of vaccines to affected countries in Africa. The UK must also ensure that vaccine producers Bavarian Nordic and KM Biologics share technology with manufacturers in Africa to increase global supply, as well as to lower prices.
“It is hard to understate how terrifying the situation on the ground here is – hundreds dead and cases spiking,” said Dr. Elia Badjo of COSAMED, an association of health providers, in the DRC. “25 of 26 provinces are affected, and in South Kivu only 11 health zones out of 29 affected have treatment, and several health zones do not even have patient isolation sites; contact tracing is a real challenge and requires far more tests to be made available. Only a rapid, determined, and globally-coordinated mobilisation will help contain the spread – yet many countries are dragging their heels.”
The letter also urges the UK to support the roll-out of mpox testing in Africa through the procurement and distribution of point of care tests to help contain the spread of the virus.
Mike Podmore, CEO of STOPAIDS, said: “Mpox is in a pre-pandemic stage. How the world responds now is a key test of whether we have learned from the COVID pandemic. The UK can help lead the shift toward a more equitable approach to global challenges by demonstrating true partnership and solidarity with African nations facing the brunt of this emergency.
If not, we run the risk of perpetuating a cycle where every time there is a health emergency, low- and middle-income countries are left without the means to effectively respond. This endangers everyone.”
Funding for global health has faced challenges from many donors, but the UK’s aid cuts have hit health programmes particularly hard; Unitaid continues to support Mpox awareness-raising programmes in Africa and will be critical to ensuring access to testing and treatment. However, without the full delivery of the UK’s 20 year commitment from 2026, many such crucial interventions will be at risk. Similarly, The Global Fund to Fights AIDS, TB and Malaria – the world’s largest multilateral provider of grants for strengthening health systems – saw an almost thirty percent cut to its last pledge. WHO also needs funding to support countries and co-ordinate global efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Health groups argue that the UK’s historic leadership in supporting the global health architecture must continue with long-term commitments, in order to respond to future threats effectively.
Podmore adds: “Mpox only underscores the need for countries to agree a Pandemic Accord that puts equity at the heart of future pandemic responses.”
Alongside leadership needed for the global response, health experts are urging the UK Government to strengthen its domestic preparedness. The letter highlights the UK Government should action the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations for a routine mpox vaccination programme.
ENDS
Notes:
- Text of the letter including all signatories can be found here.
- The UK announced on 21st August £3.1 million in funding for mpox and cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The DRC has asked for 4 million doses of mpox vaccine. Africa CDC has requested 10 million.
STOPAIDS is a UK-based HIV, health and rights network that supports UK and global movements to challenge systemic barriers and inequalities to end AIDS and ensure people around the world can realise their right to good health and wellbeing.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: jake@stopaids.org.uk or on +447547866482