A rights-based global response to the African AIDS emergency

On August 14, following the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaration mpox has been classified as a public health emergency in mainland China, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it as Public Health Emergencies Attracting attention from the international community.

Mpox, a Highly contagious diseases It is mainly spread through close contact with infected people. Increase in cases This year, more than 17,000 cases have been reported, with more than 500 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Symptoms include a blistering rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and muscle pain. Experts told Human Rights Watch that the current variant of the virus appears to be different from previous outbreaks, with increased heterosexual transmission and spread to children through close interactions within households.

The Africa CDC stressed that the world needs to unite to fight the epidemic. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director of the Africa CDC, said call The international community should avoid punitive measures such as travel bans against African countries. Support, especially vaccine supplies, is urgently needed from countries with large vaccine reserves and without any active outbreaks. “Don’t punish Africa,” Cassia urged, noting that the continent had been treated unfairly during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressing the importance of a fair and equitable global response.

Global health experts have warn The continent is “always last in line to get life-saving tools”. Delays in the continent’s access to HIV/AIDS treatments, Ebola response resources, COVID-19 vaccines, and now MPOX interventions highlight persistent inequalities in access to health services around the world. reply The 2022 MPox outbreak primarily affects men who have sex with men, highlighting the risks of discrimination against gay men. Human Rights Watch Previously warned Some actors have exploited the public health crisis to marginalize vulnerable groups, underscoring the need to place human rights at the heart of any response.

As the current MPOX outbreak continues, it is critical to apply human rights principles to this public health challenge. Ensuring that all people, regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status, have access to necessary health resources is not only a legal and ethical requirement, but also a critical element in controlling the spread of this and future infectious diseases.