A concerning surge in mpox cases has been reported in Burundi, with children bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
According to UNICEF’s Regional health advisor, Dr. Paul Ngwakum, two-thirds of the nearly 600 reported cases in the country are among children under 19.
The UN agency is raising alarms about the severe health impacts on children and the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Ngwakum highlighted the resilience of communities and parents in the face of the crisis, emphasizing the importance of support to keep children safe and learning.
UNICEF is working with partners to address the outbreak, focusing on risk communication, infection prevention, and mental health support.
The agency is also collaborating with the Ministry of Education to implement health measures in schools and ensure children’s safe return.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 25,000 suspected mpox cases in Africa, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi accounting for the majority.
The rising number of cases underscores the urgent need for global efforts to contain the outbreak.