Date: Kinshasa, 13 November 2024

A troubling new strain of the deadly Mpox virus is sweeping through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, particularly among children who are facing dire health challenges. According to a recent report from Save the Children, the number of cases among children has skyrocketed by over 130% since the declaration of a public health emergency on August 14, 2024.

The aggressive clade 1b strain has shown a shocking propensity to infect the young, especially in the DRC, where the outbreak is concentrated. As of November 3, suspected cases in the DRC rose from approximately 11,300 to a staggering 25,600. In neighboring Burundi, confirmed child cases surged from 89 to around 1,100, illustrating the extent of the crisis. These two nations account for a staggering 92% of all Mpox cases reported in Africa this year!

Children in these regions are suffering alarming degrees of vulnerability, not only because of the Mpox virus itself but also due to existing challenges such as malnutrition, displacement due to conflict, and severely limited healthcare services. Distressingly, children are nearly four times more likely to die from this strain compared to adults—an alarming statistic that underscores the urgent need for action.

Mpox manifests with fever, rash, lesions, severe headaches, and fatigue. In severe instances, respiratory problems may arise, leading to potentially fatal complications such as sepsis. With the total number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases across Africa exceeding 46,000 for 2024, and over 1,000 lives already lost, the urgency of addressing this health crisis cannot be overstated.

Dr. Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse, Senior Clinical Manager at Save the Children’s Emergency Health Unit, voiced grave concern: “This new Mpox variant remains poorly understood, yet it spreads alarmingly fast among children in the DRC and Burundi, countries already grappling with severe issues related to hunger and collapsing healthcare systems. It is imperative for the world to maintain focus on these vulnerable populations.”

Children are particularly susceptible to Mpox due to their natural curiosity and developing immune systems. Ensuring they have access to accurate information and parental support during this outbreak is vital. Save the Children is actively working to promote preventive practices, aiding in alleviating the anxieties and fears children may have concerning the outbreak and its disruptions.

In response to this escalating crisis, targeted actions akin to the successful vaccination campaigns during the 2022 global Mpox epidemic are urgently needed. This includes enhanced testing and widespread awareness campaigns to encourage vaccination particularly within high-risk communities in the DRC.

Save the Children is mobilizing resources across the DRC, delivering essential supplies, including medications and PPE for healthcare workers, and providing community training to identify and report suspected cases. In Burundi, collaborations with local health authorities are crucial in strengthening the healthcare system's capacity to handle the outbreak effectively, particularly among at-risk refugee populations.

As children’s lives hang in the balance, the global community must not ignore this crisis. Swift action and generosity in resources can help not only stem the tide of Mpox infection but also safeguard the well-being of millions of vulnerable children. This is a call to action—let’s step up before it’s too late!

Stay informed. Stay safe.