Mpox attacks children in Africa

The spread of smallpox virus infection – formerly monkeypox – across the African continent, especially in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Burundi, has heightened concerns among major humanitarian organizations that the disease is having a greater impact on minors , although they acknowledge that the lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic are now serving to stop the spread of this new epidemic.

According to the latest United Nations reports, the DRC has more than 5,600 positive cases of mpox, of which about 75 percent are children and adolescents, and at least 25 deaths from the disease. In turn, in Burundi, which shares more than 200 kilometers of border with the DRC, although only a hundred of them are land, the numbers are no more encouraging, and in early October more than a thousand cases were reported, of which almost 60 percent were children and adolescents and 28 percent – children under five years of age.

It can be assumed that although it is a virus that is initially sexually transmitted, MPOX affects children. UNICEF Representative in Burundi France Begin spoke on this issue in an interview with Europa Press, in which she noted, in addition to infections among minors, that the number of infections in the DRC has a “great influence” on the epidemiological situation in Burundi. .

“One of the reasons we have now (to explain the spread of infections) is the proximity to the DRC (…) There is a lot of trade between the two countries and that is one of the reasons why there are more cases here. (DRC) is the epicenter and we are door to door,” said a UNICEF representative in Burundi.

On the other hand, the cause of the large number of cases of infection among minors has been eliminated. Thus, Begin emphasized that they are already more vulnerable to disease because they may suffer from other types of ailments or diseases that compromise their immunity and allow the spread of mpox or other viruses. In addition, this part of the population has an almost innate aggravating circumstance: it is more difficult for them to avoid contact with possible infected people.

“I myself went to a nearby place near the city center to visit and see how things were going. Children, when they are together, are all glued together, playing with each other. It is very difficult for them not to touch each other (…) There were infected children who played together,” Begin said, emphasizing at this point the importance of raising awareness of the benefits of hygiene.

Major humanitarian and even international institutions such as the European Union have worked to clarify that the epidemiological situation with mpox has nothing to do with the coronavirus outbreak recorded after the first quarter of 2020. In this case, the disease is more focused on minors and has an infinitely lower mortality rate than COVID-19.

However, Begin acknowledged that the way people infected with Ompox are treated is somewhat similar to COVID-19 patients, since they also have to undergo a two-week quarantine. Likewise, increasing awareness of the importance of hand washing, use of sanitizers and protective barriers also helps reduce infections.

“Countries have learned what hygiene measures are so they can now be implemented quickly (…) The difference is that COVID is of course more dangerous because it has had fatal infections and mpox has not. air, it’s really physical contact with those who may have scars or skin lesions,” he said.

As has already happened with coronavirus, vaccination is the main tool to stop infections. In fact, the DRC Ministry of Health, together with international organizations, earlier this month launched a smallpox immunization campaign among the most vulnerable populations in “high priority” provinces.

However, UNICEF Representative in the DRC, Grant Leighty, stressed that “vaccines are just a tool” and that to effectively reduce the spread of the disease, “it is equally important to provide people with the right information about symptoms and what to do.” if they get sick.

In general terms, UNICEF has requested $58.8 million in assistance (just under €54 million) to combat the “growing crisis of ozone oxalate poisoning in six African countries,” including the DRC and Burundi. These funds aim to “stop transmission, protect children and ensure the continuity of essential services.”

“This includes coordinating with health authorities and partners, promoting vaccination, improving infection control and providing mental health support,” the United Nations Children’s Fund highlighted in its latest report on the smallpox virus situation in Burundi.

According to Begin, UNICEF’s main mission in Burundi, as well as in other countries affected by MPOK, is to raise awareness and ensure proper hygiene to avoid contracting the virus or at least stop its spread. . To do this, they focus on engaging local communities, health authorities and political authorities to spread the importance of these customs.

On the other hand, Begin noted that the United Nations Children’s Fund is also focusing on providing health workers with personal protective equipment, including protective shields, gloves, masks and appropriate sanitation equipment; while hospitals and health centers also have access to water, alcohol and disinfectants.

Among the work carried out by UNICEF, Begin also emphasized that a “very important” part is focused on managing the cases of infected people, which is why they have allowed up to three isolation centers for those infected to be quarantined for fourteen days, similar to what happened with COVID-19.

“You have to provide support with food, medicine. Sometimes it’s a little difficult because if they’re kids, they can’t be alone. Therefore, the mother must stay with the child or infant during these fourteen days and provide everything necessary. .possible food support, for example,” he explained.

The UNICEF Representative in Burundi focused on psychosocial support for those living with or overcoming the disease. In some cases, their reintegration into society is difficult and they are stigmatized for contracting smallpox, Begin said.

“When you suffer from this disease, you feel sadness, but there is also fear, fear of being stigmatized. We have seen teenagers with scars on their faces and we have to imagine that they have to return to their community. Therefore, it is good that they are supported psychosocially,” Begin said.

UNICEF stressed that part of its efforts is also focused on preventing infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi from entering the health systems of countries where health services are already in short supply.