© WHO/Katson Maliro
Mpox Outbreak
Mpox is threatening refugee lives. Donate now to stop the spread.
Mpox is threatening refugee lives. Donate now to stop the spread.
The World Health Organisation recently declared mpox a global emergency. Most of the cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which hosts millions of displaced people. Refugees in South Kivu District are among those affected.
This strain of mpox is more infectious and deadlier than previous strains. It is transmitted through close contact with others – a disaster for displaced people living in crowded camps. When mpox symptoms develop, people try to isolate themselves to protect their loved ones. But with no space available, many have to sleep outside, further endangering their health.
Your donation can provide life-saving aid including clean water, improved sanitation facilities in refugee camps and essential healthcare to those at greatest risk.
Please donate now to protect refugees and displaced families.
Dr Allen Maina, UNHCR Public Health Chief
UNHCR is on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries, delivering aid where possible. With your help, we can provide essential items including soap and hygiene kits, clean water and healthcare to people fleeing violence.
Your gift can provide essential items like soap and hygiene kits for families in need.
Your gift can provide refugees and displaced people with clean water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Your gift can provide vulnerable families with medicine and ensure that people can access health services including early screening and care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a worldwide Public Health Emergency—and people forced to flee are among those most vulnerable to its effects.
A contagious strain of mpox (called clade I) has been detected in at least 13 African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first case of clade I in Europe was reported on 15 August in Sweden. On 16 August, Pakistan reported its first case of mpox.
WHO is calling for a coordinated international response to stop outbreaks of the virus and save lives. UNHCR is assisting with this response.
Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection which can spread between people, mainly through close contact. It can sometimes be transmitted from infected animals to people who have contact with them, too.
The symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes).
For more detailed information from WHO about mpox, how it is spread, symptoms, risks associated and care information, you can visit: Mpox (who.int)
The majority of cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 7.3 million people have been displaced by conflict and natural disasters. Mpox has also been detected in other countries in central and eastern Africa, including Burundi, Cameroon and Rwanda. Many of these countries generously host refugees.
The first case in Europe was reported on 15 August in Sweden. On 16 August, Pakistan reported its first case.
The virus is threatening people who are already living in desperate conditions — displaced by conflict, and lacking basic necessities like safe shelter, clean water and medical care. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, over 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths have been recorded. Refugees in South Kivu Province are among those affected. There have also been positive cases among refugees in the Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
UNHCR is working closely with the World Health Organization and other partners to assess, prepare and respond. UNHCR’s work focuses on:
Your donation today can provide soap and clean water and improve sanitation facilities in refugee camps and displacement sites to help prevent the spread of disease. Your support will also ensure that refugees and displaced people can access national health services for early diagnosis and care.
The majority of funds raised by Australia for UNHCR are directed to UNHCR’s emergency operations, providing the ready funds and resources to respond quickly and effectively in situations of crisis and disaster.