As a global emergency is declared over mpox (monkey pox), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday (August 21) warned that migrants and other vulnerable, mobile populations, including those displaced by conflict or natural disasters, are "far more prone to infection."

"The spread of mpox across East, Horn and Southern Africa is a grave concern, especially for the vulnerable migrant, highly mobile populations and displaced communities often overlooked in such crises," IOM Director General Amy Pope said in a statement.

Inadequate living conditions and the significant challenges migrants encounter in accessing healthcare pose significant threats to them during a global emergency, according to the UN migration agency.

In response to the health crisis, IOM on Wednesday appealed for 18.5 million dollars in assistance to provide healthcare services to people impacted by the mpox outbreak in East and Southern Africa.

"We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region," Pope said in the statement.

What is mpox?

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes monkeypox as an orthopoxvirus that causes mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe. 

Two distinct clades of the monkeypox virus have been identified: Clade I (previously known as the Congo Basin (central African) clade and Clade II (the former west African clade).

How is mpox transmitted?

Mpox can be transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus. Evidence of monkeypox virus infection has been found in animals including squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, different species of monkeys and others. 

The disease can also spread from humans to humans. It can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. 

Symptoms typically include fever, rash, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and back pain.

According to WHO data, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported over 15,000 suspected mpox cases and 537 deaths. Globally, more than 100,000 cases have been recorded.

Cross-border infections fueling the spread of mpox

Earlier this month, WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, after the rapid spread of the new strain, clade 1b, originating in eastern DRC.

While clade 1b is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, WHO has called for further research into other possible transmission methods, such as contaminated bedding from blisters associated with the disease.

Mpox has impacted populations on the African continent for over a decade, according to the UN. The Horn, eastern, and southern Africa host 12.2 million international migrants, nearly half of Africa’s total migrant population. According to WHO data, by August 8, six of the 12 African countries experiencing outbreaks were in these regions. In July, new cases were identified in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, with cross-border infections contributing to the disease’s spread.

Also read: Humanitarian crises devastate communities worldwide 75 years after signing of Geneva Conventions

Migrant hubs pose challenges for disease prevention 

The IOM's appeal across 13 countries (Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) hopes to strengthen infection prevention, control efforts, and response measures — particularly at border points. The funds will also be used to raise awareness among migrant and host communities, and internally displaced persons, IOM said.

"This preparedness and response plan aims to prepare for and respond to the anticipated surge in Mpox cases and mitigate the spread and the likely negative impacts of the virus spreading throughout the region," the UN agency said.

The IOM highlighted that the region’s role as a major hub for migrants -- serving as a point of origin, transit, and destination -- presents challenges for disease prevention. They added that plans are underway to boost the capacity of healthcare workers and frontline responders, while also identifying high-risk areas to improve disease monitoring and limit its spread across borders.

"Vulnerable populations such as migrants and IDPs impacted by mpox, or at risk of being affected, must receive the necessary healthcare and protection, particularly in regions where access to such services is limited and have a high number of migrants and displaced populations," IOM said in its statement.