Mpox on the Rise – What Really Helps?

For days, four letters have dominated the news alongside the U.S. election campaign and Olympic recaps: Mpox. Sweden has now recorded the first case outside of Africa, and suddenly the disease, previously known as “monkeypox,” seems much closer. However, panic and impulsive actions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, are not helpful in such situations.

Attempting to prevent a potential spread in Europe, North America, and Australia through measures like travel bans or restricting the export of essential medical supplies to the hardest-hit countries in Sub-Saharan Africa is not the solution. What is truly important is a unified and supportive response to ensure that affected regions receive the help they need to fight outbreaks. This means strengthening research and development efforts.

131 Million for Mpox – 3.7 Billion for COVID-19

At present, the situation looks bleak: Access to tests, treatments, and vaccines against Mpox in Africa is severely lacking. The African health authority CDC estimates a current need for around ten million vaccine doses. Diagnostic capabilities for Mpox are still insufficient, and there are no targeted therapeutic treatments for those who are infected. According to the G-FINDER survey, funding for Mpox research and development in 2022 amounted to around 131 million U.S. dollars. In comparison, 3.7 billion U.S. dollars were allocated for COVID-19.

There is, however, reason for hope in research. “Mpox is not easily transmitted,” said virologist Marion Koopmans from Erasmus University Rotterdam in an interview with geo.de. “It spreads through direct contact, and therefore – theoretically – it is relatively easy to stop if it is diagnosed and recognized.” The problem: although there are lab-based tests, it takes time to get results. This is further complicated by the fact that these tests are often unavailable in regions with limited lab capacity.

Alarm for Coordinated Action

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Mpox is a zoonotic viral infectious disease, meaning it is transmitted from infected animals to humans. Human-to-human transmission is mainly possible through close contact, according to the RKI. More information on Mpox can be found on the RKI’s website in a FAQ.

On August 14 of this year, the WHO declared a public health emergency due to Mpox. This followed the detection of a new variant of the virus, which appears to be more contagious than its predecessors and may lead to more severe illness. However, this emergency declaration did not lead to travel restrictions or quarantines. Rather, it is meant as a wake-up call to the world, highlighting the need for a globally coordinated response in solidarity with affected communities.

Cases and suspected cases of Mpox have been reported in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to information from “Tagesschau,” which cites the CDC, there have already been more than 500 deaths in these regions. Two years ago, the WHO also declared a health emergency due to Mpox after infections were reported in over 60 countries, including Germany.

So, What Really Helps?

To answer the original question of the article, the most helpful measures would be a significant expansion of research and development regarding Mpox, alongside funding for vaccine production and ensuring equitable access. Tim Nguyen, head of the WHO’s Unit for High Impact Events Preparedness said, according to geo.de, that 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine are available for purchase. Another 2.4 million doses could be produced by the end of the year if there are confirmed orders. The WHO has called on donor countries to provide funding and requested that countries with vaccine stockpiles share doses.