Africa CDC Statement on the Pandemic Fund’s Fast-Track Allocation of US$128.89 Million to Address Mpox in 10 Countries
September 21, 2024
Africa CDC expresses gratitude for the Pandemic Fund's fast-tracked US$128.89 million allocation to 10 African countries affected by mpox. This funding will enhance disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and workforce development, supporting the Africa CDC-WHO Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan. The plan, developed with partners like UNICEF and WFP, follows a unified approach to improve health security across Africa. Africa CDC sees this support as a vote of confidence in Africa's ability to address health challenges through international solidarity and evidence-based interventions, and commits to ensuring effective and transparent use of the funds.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has expressed profound gratitude for the Pandemic Fund's swift action in allocating US$128.89 million to combat mpox in 10 African Union Member States. This significant funding demonstrates the global community's commitment to addressing Africa's pressing health security challenges.
The beneficiary countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. The funds will be instrumental in bolstering national and regional capacities in critical areas such as:
1. Disease surveillance
2. Laboratory diagnostics and networks
3. Workforce development
These efforts align with and support the implementation of the Africa CDC-WHO Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa. This comprehensive plan, developed in collaboration with partners including UNICEF, WFP, IFRC, and IOM, operates under a unified approach summarized as "ONE Team, ONE Plan, ONE Budget, and ONE M&E framework." It aims to enhance surveillance, diagnostics, and workforce capacity while strengthening public health systems and engaging communities for a more effective and harmonized response across the continent.
Africa CDC views this support not only as a boost to technical capacity but also as a vote of confidence in Africa's ability to overcome health challenges through international solidarity and evidence-based interventions. The organization remains committed to working closely with governments, regional bodies, and global partners to ensure that this support translates into meaningful progress on the ground.
Africa CDC pledges to utilize the funds effectively, transparently, and sustainably, emphasizing the importance of accountability in international health cooperation. This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards building a safer, healthier future for all Africans and strengthening the continent's overall health security infrastructure.
As the mpox response continues to evolve, this funding and the resulting enhanced capacities will play a crucial role in mitigating the outbreak's impact and improving Africa's preparedness for future health challenges.