The US Global AIDS Coordinator, John Nkengasong has addressed concerns about potential travel restrictions from Africa due to monkeypox.
Speaking at an online press briefing, monitored by our correspondent, Nkengasong dismissed rumours of such measures, stating, “That is a rumour. We do not at this point think that is going to happen.”
Nkengasong’s comments aimed to clarify that the US is not planning to reinstate stringent travel policies akin to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included mandatory vaccinations. Instead, the US will collaborate with the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation to manage the outbreak.
To support the ongoing fight against monkeypox, the US is contributing an additional $35 million. “The USAID just announced $35 million, and again, we will stay committed until we bring this outbreak under control,” Nkengasong assured.
The World Health Organisation has twice declared monkeypox a public health emergency, first in May 2022 and again in August 2024. The disease has severely impacted Africa, with Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Ghana facing the highest case numbers in the ECOWAS region.
In 2024, Africa reported 37,583 monkeypox cases and 1,451 deaths, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for a staggering 96.3% of cases and 97% of deaths. The US has already allocated over $2.65 billion in health funding to Central and East Africa and provided over $20 million this year to aid monkeypox response efforts.
About the Author
I was recommended this website by my cousin I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty You are wonderful Thanks