The International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the UN has called on the world community to allocate $18.5 million to implement a plan for combating the spread of monkeypox. UN News reported.
The organization noted that the spread of monkeypox in the eastern and southern parts of the African continent has increased the risk of infection for migrants, who need «critically important» medical care and other support ahead of an «expected surge» in infection cases.
According to the IOM, migrants and other groups of population forced to leave their homes as a result of natural emergencies and conflicts are much more susceptible to infection due to difficult living conditions and the barriers they face in seeking care.
The spread of monkeypox in East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the south of the continent is of serious concern.
IOM Director General Amy Pope
The Horn of Africa, East and Southern Africa host 12.2 million international migrants, nearly half of all migrants in Africa. As of early August, six out of 12 African countries reporting monkeypox outbreaks are in these regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. New cases have been reported in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, which have not been previously affected by the virus.
Last week, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. The decision was made in response to the rapid spread of a new strain of the disease, known as clade 1b. The epicenter of the current outbreak is in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The number of suspected cases of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone exceeds 15,000 with 537 deaths. Cases have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa.
The disease is known to be transmitted from animals to humans and spreads through close contact with infected people or animals through airborne droplets, blood and body fluids. Symptoms include fever, rash, ulcers on the body, headaches, muscle pain, sore throat and back, and swollen lymph nodes.
The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan reported that the epidemiological situation concerning the monkeypox is stable, but precautions are being taken.
