How is the mpox outbreak impacting refugees and displaced people?

My colleagues in the DRC have spoken to displaced people who suspect they have mpox. Because there is not enough space in shelters to safely isolate themselves, they have to sleep outside. They want to protect their family and friends, but it is a real challenge without adequate resources. Additionally, limited food rations weaken people’s ability to fight off illnesses. In these circumstances, mpox poses a significant risk.

What is UNHCR doing to help prevent the spread of mpox among refugees and displaced people?

We all have a stake in making sure that the mpox outbreak is contained as quickly as possible. UNHCR is committed to helping countries and communities protect displaced people, which includes ensuring they have access to prevention and treatment. We need to work together to ensure refugees and displaced people have basic hygiene items, sanitation facilities and sufficient food, as well as accurate and accessible information on mpox in their own language. More shelters are also needed to allow proper isolation.

We are providing as much soap, clean water, and handwashing facilities as possible. We are also equipping health facilities to ensure safe and effective clinical care for patients and health-care workers and strengthening surveillance. We are training and equipping refugee health volunteers to address stigma and raise awareness in displaced and host communities about how mpox spreads and how to prevent it. But let me be clear, in many locations our teams are working with desperately meagre resources where health systems are fragile and needs are only growing as this outbreak continues.