WELLCOME Wellcome supported the Mpox High-Level Emergency Regional Meeting on Mpox in Africa
Wellcome, in collaboration with CEPI and Africa CDC, co-funded the High-Level Emergency Regional Meeting on Mpox in Africa, held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from April 11-13, 2024.
This meeting brought together ministers of health, health officials, experts, and partners from 13 African countries affected by or at risk of mpox outbreaks to address the ongoing public health emergency. The scientific importance of this meeting cannot be overstated, as it provided a platform for sharing the latest research on mpox epidemiology, transmission dynamics, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
Politically, the High-Level Emergency Regional Meeting on Mpox in Africa demonstrated a strong commitment from African leaders and global health partners to work together in controlling the spread of mpox and strengthening health systems. The endorsement of the communiqué, which outlines key commitments and actions, including the establishment of the Africa Taskforce for Mpox Coordination, underscores the collective resolve to address this public health threat. By co-funding this meeting, Wellcome, CEPI, and Africa CDC have played a crucial role in catalyzing a coordinated, evidence-based, and partnership-driven response to the mpox outbreak in Africa, setting the stage for more effective prevention, control, and elimination strategies.