The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, has announced an additional €20 million in funding to combat the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This new funding aims to enhance the DRC’s response to the Mpox crisis and bolster preparedness against future epidemics, aligning with the EU’s broader goal of strengthening health systems across Africa. The announcement was made during a joint press conference available to journalists on Wednesday.
As of September, the DRC has reported over 4,901 confirmed Mpox cases, resulting in more than 629 deaths. Urpilainen highlighted the importance of coordination in addressing Mpox outbreaks during discussions with Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The funding is a crucial part of the implementation of the joint Africa CDC-WHO Mpox Continental Preparation and Response Plan. It complements previous efforts, including the donation of 215,000 doses of Mpox vaccines by the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority to the Africa CDC, and an additional 365,000 doses provided by Team Europe.
“We are committed to addressing health crises and enhancing resilience alongside our African partners. This is a collaborative effort to improve global health security. The additional €20 million funding builds on earlier support and vaccine donations from the EU and its Member States,” Urpilainen stated.
The funding is part of a coordinated EU response aimed at strengthening preparedness and response capacities for current and future health emergencies in affected countries. Team Europe is a leading investor in global health initiatives, such as the Pandemic Fund, which accelerates investments for improved laboratory capabilities, virus surveillance and detection, and training emergency personnel for vaccination efforts.
The newly allocated funds will assist in addressing both ongoing and potential health emergencies through coordinated interventions with partners, including the WHO and affected countries. The European Union remains committed to enhancing health systems and response capacities in Africa, particularly through the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies.
Dr. Kaseya expressed gratitude for the EU’s support, stating, “Africa CDC sincerely appreciates the generous assistance from the EU in combating the Mpox outbreak in Africa. Together with the EU and our partners, we are determined to overcome this crisis. I urge all Member States to act swiftly—mobilizing vaccination efforts to protect our citizens and mitigate the devastating effects of this disease.”
