UNICEF Urges Focus On Children As WHO Alerts On New M-pox Variant

As the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for increased vigilance against monkeypox (Mpox), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize children in the response efforts. A new variant of the Mpox virus, known as clade Ib, is raising concerns due to its potential for broader transmission, including among young children.

Mpox, which is impacting thousands of children in Africa, poses a serious risk, particularly to those who are malnourished or suffering from other illnesses, making them more susceptible to complications.

Mpox spreads through various means, including contact with lesions, infectious bodily fluids, contaminated materials, respiratory droplets, and infected animals. Pregnant women can also transmit the virus to their unborn babies. Children can be exposed through close contact with infected individuals at home or in the community, including parents and caregivers.

Symptoms of Mpox, similar but less severe than smallpox, include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, children under 15 account for more than half of the cases. Contributing factors include malnutrition, crowded living conditions, and limited healthcare access.

UNICEF is collaborating with Africa CDC, WHO, USAID, and FCDO to address the crisis comprehensively, focusing on disease transmission, child protection, and mitigating secondary impacts such as school closures. The WHO is also working to expedite access to Mpox vaccines.