The Path Forward: A Reflection on Scaling the Mpox Response and G20’s Role in Addressing Global Health Emergencies
I am in Rio de Janeiro to take part in the G20 Health Working Group and Ministerial Meeting and contribute to shaping the G20’s global health declaration. Yesterday, a coalition of global health leaders representing Africa CDC, CEPI, Gavi, PAHO, PATH, and Wellcome hosted by Brazil Ministry of Health convened to discuss "Scaling the mpox Response: A Call to Action for Science & Innovation". This convening highlights the stark reality that mpox cases in Africa have surged by 201% this year alone. With the recent deadly strain reported in Germany last week, we know that urgent, unified action is essential to prevent further spread. Our discussion highlighted an urgent call to address the growing mpox crisis to inform the path forward for coordinated G20 action. Building on the recent G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers’ Statement on mpox during the UN General Assembly, the aim was clear: to catalyze global leadership on mpox through greater vaccine equity, more regional manufacturing, targeted investment in digital health tools and infrastructure, and a coordinated One Health approach.
Vaccine equity and local production capacity are central to mpox control. Through partnerships, we can make strides toward health security. Yesterday, building on the impetus provided by the proposed G20 Coalition on Local and Regional Production and Innovation, PATH and Bio-Manguinhos formalised our commitment with a Memorandum of Understanding to expand local vaccine manufacturing in Latin America, a significant step toward ensuring that vaccines are accessible when and where they’re needed most.
Investing in digital health and surveillance: The mpox crisis highlights the critical role of digital tools for rapid response and disease tracking. From surveillance to contact tracing, digital platforms turn data into action. However, these tools require funding and infrastructure support to be fully effective. PATH is currently collaborating with Africa CDC in the DRC on Mpox surveillance. With G20 support, investment in digital health infrastructure can bolster disease monitoring across regions.
One Health and the climate-health connection: Our discussions underscored the importance of One Health, recognising the link between human, animal, and environmental health. The threat posed by zoonotic diseases like mpox is exacerbated by climate change, driving home the need for integrated surveillance systems. G20 support is crucial to establishing cross-sectoral health surveillance, preventing outbreaks from escalating into global crises.
Financing action at scale: Africa CDC and WHO have outlined the scale of resources needed for an effective Mpox response, but funding remains a significant gap. Tomorrow’s joint G20 Health and Finance Ministers’ meeting must address the full scope—multilateral cooperation, regional manufacturing, and sustainable financing—so that global health leaders are equipped to act on a comprehensive mpox response. While recent contributions from countries like the USA and Japan are positive steps, a substantial, collective investment is needed to close this funding gap.
A Call to Action: Building a resilient and equitable global health system: The mpox crisis underscores the need to address inequities not only within health systems but in global policies, governance, and financial commitment. By supporting multilateralism, regional manufacturing, and sustainable funding, the G20 can build a more resilient health architecture that serves all nations equitably. The challenges are great, but so is our resolve. As we look to tomorrow’s joint discussions, I urge my fellow global health leaders to seize this opportunity for transformative action, ensuring health systems worldwide are prepared, inclusive, and resilient against future threats.
Let’s make this a future where equitable health access and security are within reach for all.
Special thanks to our speakers
#GlobalHealth #OneHealth #VaccineEquity #G20 #MpoxResponse
director of operations for the research and sustainable development of territories commission chez Réseau panafricain des associations d'étudiants au Cameroun
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