The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has made an urgent call for $21.4 million in funding to scale up health services for refugees and host communities across Africa as the mpox outbreak continues to escalate.

The disease, which was once confined to specific areas, is now spreading rapidly, creating a new strain on the already vulnerable populations.

The money will be used to support prevention and response efforts aimed at nearly 10 million refugees and their host communities in 35 African nations. These funds are crucial to prevent the situation from worsening, according to UNHCR officials, who emphasize that time is of the essence.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surface. It has long been endemic in parts of Africa, but the rise of a new strain, clade 1b, has alarmed health officials.

This particular strain is responsible for a spike in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) responded to the surge by declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

Over 20,000 suspected mpox cases have been recorded across Africa this year, including 88 cases among refugees. The DRC has been hit hardest, with 68 cases, while other refugee populations in the Republic of the Congo and Rwanda are also reporting infections.

The rise in cases has placed significant pressure on the continent’s healthcare systems, which are already struggling to cope with multiple crises, including protracted conflicts and chronic underfunding.

The situation is especially dire in refugee camps and shelters where overcrowding, a lack of safe water, and limited access to healthcare are rampant.

Vulnerable Populations Face Higher Risk

Refugees and forcibly displaced communities are particularly at risk. UNHCR’s public health chief, Allen Maina, emphasized that the outbreak threatens populations who already face enormous challenges.

Many refugees live in cramped shelters with limited access to essential services like clean water and soap, leaving them at higher risk of infection.

“For refugees and displaced communities already facing enormous challenges in accessing healthcare, these conditions place them at higher risk of falling sick and make it harder to protect themselves,” said Maina.

Africa is home to more than a third of the world’s forcibly displaced population, many of whom now find themselves in countries grappling with the spread of mpox. This situation compounds their existing vulnerabilities and exacerbates the difficulties they face in accessing basic services.

The mpox outbreak has the potential to severely strain humanitarian resources in Africa, leading to disruptions in critical services like food distribution, education, and protection programs.

UNHCR officials are concerned that the limited resources available may not be enough to handle both existing crises and the emerging health emergency.

In response to this growing crisis, the UNHCR is calling for sustained financial support. Mr. Maina stressed that without additional funding, the health systems in refugee camps and surrounding communities may not be able to cope.

“We need to support governments and partners in the mpox response to ensure that no one is left behind. We need sustainable financing to strengthen health systems, water and sanitation facilities, and other services, ensuring they are resilient now and in the future.”
Allen Maina

Since the global emergence of mpox in 2022, the UNHCR has been actively collaborating with national authorities, UN agencies, and local organizations.

Measures already taken include reinforcing handwashing stations, distributing soap, enhancing access to diagnostic testing, and improving disease surveillance in refugee camps. The UNHCR has been working to train health workers and increase public awareness to combat misinformation and stigma around the disease.