International scientific conference on strategies for the prevention and management of Mpox in Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Wellcome received a time-sensitive funding request from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support the upcoming International Meeting on Mpox in Africa, scheduled for April 11-12, 2024, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The request, USD 318,000, which was initially directed to CEPI, was shared with Wellcome to explore the possibility of co-funding the event. The International Meeting on Mpox in Africa is a direct response to the escalating Mpox outbreak in the DRC and neighboring countries, which has resulted in 3,941 suspected cases and 271 fatalities (CFR 6.9%) since January 2024, with a disproportionate impact on children under 15. Africa CDC and the DRC government are jointly organizing this conference to bring together key stakeholders from affected and at-risk African countries, continental and regional bodies, funders, and global health partners to address the crisis. The primary objectives of this conference are to share the latest research and insights on Mpox, review and enhance existing response frameworks, foster partnerships, and develop a comprehensive action plan for mpox surveillance, control, and prevention across the continent. This funding request was considered in recognition of the urgency and strategic importance of this meeting, and the critical role Wellcome has played in driving global momentum towards responding to Mpox in DRC. Upon discussion with CEPI and Africa CDC, the funding ask to Wellcome is up to $100,000 with the remainder covered by the two partners. "