Statement from CEO Mark Suzman on the mpox public health emergency

SEATTLE (August 20, 2024) – The escalating outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several other African countries is deeply concerning. The tragic human impact of the outbreak, with hundreds of lives already lost—mostly children—is an urgent signal that coordination, cooperation, and decisive action are needed to address this continental and global health crisis as quickly and equitably as possible.

An effective global response must prioritize the needs of the communities hit hardest by this outbreak; this means ensuring rapid and equitable access to lifesaving tools in the countries where the burden of disease and the risk of new outbreaks are highest.

It is heartening to see many regional and global institutions ramp up their support in response to the public health emergency declarations by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is supporting the African researchers leading the response and the work they’re doing to leverage existing disease surveillance and early warning systems to inform national and regional public health decision-making. Guided by the continued leadership of mpox-affected country governments, organizations like the Africa CDC, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) are taking action to increase access to the vaccines needed to save lives now.

As the global effort to get this outbreak under control moves forward, our foundation will continue to support the critical work of our partners around the world and call on governments and organizations—from every sector—to support an equitable and effective response.