The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued an urgent appeal for $18.5 million to provide essential healthcare services and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, particularly chickenpox, among migrants, internally displaced persons, and host communities in East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Africa.
These regions are at increased risk of malaria and other health crises.
IOM Director General Amy Pope expressed deep concern over the spread of the Mpox bacteria in these regions, highlighting the vulnerability of migrants, displaced populations, and highly mobile communities often overlooked in such emergencies.
The impact of waterborne diseases like chickenpox has plagued these areas for over a decade. However, the rapid spread of a new strain has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare chickenpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14.
According to WHO data, there are already over 15,000 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone, including 537 deaths.
Other confirmed cases have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
The disease, which spreads from animals to humans, is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals via respiratory droplets, blood, bodily fluids, or wounds.
Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and back pain.
IOM has raised alarms about the increased vulnerability of migrants, internally displaced persons, and mobile populations in the affected regions.
These groups often face limited access to healthcare due to their transient and often precarious living conditions, making them more susceptible to infection.
The IOM’s response plan aims to reduce the risk of disease exposure for these vulnerable populations.
