The UAE has dispatched several aircraft carrying Monkeypox vaccines to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, according to a statement to APA on Sunday.
This follows directives by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as part of the country’s continuous humanitarian efforts to support other nations in confronting challenges and crises.
The vaccines are meant to support the five countries’ efforts to address and contain the outbreak of the virus.
14 African nations have reported mpox cases so far namely Burundi, Cameroon, the Central Africa Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Mozmbique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Over 600 fatalities have been confirmed.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, said the support ”highlights the significant importance placed by the UAE on enhancing global humanitarian and healthcare efforts, and affirms the country’s steadfast commitment to assisting other nations during crises and disasters.”
H added that the UAE overture reflects the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian values as part of its ongoing commitment to extend a helping hand and assist impacted communities across the world.
Deadly Mpox cases have been reported in many African countries, prompting the African Centre for Disease Control to declare it a health emergency on the continent.
The WHO last month also declared Mpox and global emergency with more than 75 countries reporting some 20,000 confirmed cases.
Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can affect both humans and other animals.
While the virus was initially discovered in laboratory monkeys, it is now known that monkeys are not the primary host.
The name change from “Monkeypox” to “Mpox” was implemented to avoid potential stigma.
The initial symptoms of Mpox infection include fever, muscle pains, sore throat and fatigue, followed by a painful rash and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complications and even death.
WN/as/APA