The World Health Organization recently declared a global health emergency because of a surge in cases of clade 1 mpox – formerly known as monkeypox – in the DR Congo (DRC), where it has killed at least 635 people this year.
Medical staff on the front line treating mpox patients in eastern DRC told the BBC they are desperate for vaccines to stem the rate of new infections.
A particularly concerning mpox variant – called clade 1b – appears to be spreading quickly between people there and to surrounding countries.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK was also providing support to the DRC.
“The government is taking action to boost the UK’s resilience against clade 1 mpox, while providing critical support to countries at the centre of the outbreak.”
He said steps were being taken to ensure the UK was prepared with “a robust vaccination programme” that protects those who may be at high risk.
The UK has announced £3m of funding to help efforts to tackle mpox and cholera outbreaks in the DRC, and prevent further spread to neighbouring countries.
