Global Fund Approves US$5 Million for Rwanda’s Mpox Response, Expands Emergency Support Across the African Continent
October 16, 2024
The Global Fund has approved additional funding to combat the mpox outbreak in Africa. Rwanda will receive US$5.17 million through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM). Other affected countries, including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Burundi, will benefit from repurposed C19RM funds. This follows earlier support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The funding will enhance disease surveillance, strengthen laboratory systems, conduct risk communication, implement infection prevention measures, and reinforce health facilities. This investment demonstrates the Global Fund's commitment to addressing urgent public health crises and strengthening health systems for future emergencies.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has taken significant steps to address the spreading mpox outbreak in Africa. This response includes new funding approvals and strategic reinvestments across several affected countries.
Key aspects of the Global Fund's response:
1. Rwanda Funding: US$5.17 million approved through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) to combat the novel clade 1b mpox virus.
2. Additional Country Support: Repurposed C19RM funds for:
- Ghana: US$1.5 million
- Côte d'Ivoire: EUR 1.01 million
- Liberia: US$440,000
- Burundi: US$140,000
3. Previous Support: Earlier announcements of additional support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
4. Intervention Areas:
- Enhancing disease surveillance systems, including community-based surveillance
- Strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostics
- Conducting risk communication and community mobilization
- Implementing infection prevention and control measures
- Reinforcing country-level coordination for emergency response
- Strengthening health facilities' capacity for primary care and future emergencies
5. Comprehensive Approach: The funding aims to not only address mpox but also strengthen overall health systems to manage other infectious diseases and future health emergencies.
6. Community Engagement: Emphasis on building networks of community health workers for awareness-raising and stigma reduction.
7. Health Worker Protection: Focus on implementing measures to protect healthcare workers at all levels.
8. Long-term Vision: Strengthening existing health facilities to address a range of infectious diseases beyond mpox.
Mark Edington, Head of Grant Management at the Global Fund, emphasized the organization's commitment to addressing urgent public health crises while reinforcing health systems for future emergencies. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates the Global Fund's adaptability in responding to evolving health challenges in Africa, leveraging existing mechanisms like the C19RM to provide timely and targeted support.