The Monkeypox vaccine. ARCHIVE

Under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has dispatched several aircraft loaded with vaccines for Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, to five African countries. The vaccines from the UAE were sent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cameroon. The initiative aims to support these countries' efforts to combat and contain the Mpox outbreak and underscores the UAE's commitment to global humanitarian aid. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, highlighted the importance of this support in enhancing global healthcare efforts, reflecting the UAE’s dedication to humanitarian values and its ongoing commitment to aiding nations during crises. This action is part of the UAE's broader strategy to provide emergency assistance and promote international cooperation in health and safety.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, a rare but serious viral disease, originates from the same family of viruses as smallpox. It was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958, which led to its name, and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans from animals, such as rodents and primates, and can spread between humans through close contact with infected bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it can lead to severe complications, especially in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The ongoing global outbreak has caused a significant surge in cases worldwide, with over 20,000 infections reported in the last three months alone, affecting countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Mpox has also killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent months. The World Health Organization recently declared the Mpox situation a global emergency. In sending these vaccines, Sheikh Shakhboot emphasized the importance of global cooperation in combating health emergencies. "The support offered 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," he said. The UAE’s initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Mpox and prevent further spread of the virus. By providing vaccines to nations heavily affected by the outbreak, the UAE aims to curb transmission rates and protect vulnerable populations. ICA/Expat Media
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