The Global Fund’s response to Mpox: a coordinated effort for global health security
In recent years, the world has seen a resurgence in zoonotic diseases, with Mpox (previously called Monkeypox) emerging as a significant global health threat. Traditionally endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, the virus captured global attention with outbreaks reported in multiple non-endemic regions in 2022. The rapid spread across continents spurred the Global Fund into action in order to address Mpox as the organization already did for COVID-19.
Mpox: a global health threat
Mpox—a viral zoonosis—has historically remained localized to regions where it is endemic. But the 2022 outbreak illustrated its potential for widespread transmission, particularly in immunocompromised populations and those lacking access to vaccines.
The resurgence of Mpox in 2024 raised alarms within the global health community, especially as the disease appeared in regions previously unaffected[1]. In August 2024, the WHO again declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
The Global Fund’s role: Stepping up in times of crisis
In September 2024, The Global Fund mobilized resources to assist countries struggling to control Mpox outbreaks, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, where the virus is endemic. Recognizing that health systems in many of these regions are already burdened by other diseases, the Global Fund’s support focuses on surveillance systems to improve the ability to detect and monitor Mpox cases quickly, on healthcare infrastructures to manage the increased number of cases, and on ensuring access to diagnostics and vaccines, particularly among underserved populations.
Building on its vast experience in fighting diseases with overlapping structural barriers, the Global Fund uses an integrated approach. Many of the regions affected by Mpox also face high burdens of HIV and other infectious diseases. The Global Fund tries to mitigate the impact of Mpox interventions over the ongoing efforts against HIV, TB, and malaria, leveraging existing health infrastructures to support the Mpox response.
By utilizing existing programs against HIV/AIDS and other diseases, the Global Fund helps improve the detection and treatment of Mpox cases, ensuring that its fight against other infectious diseases continues.
Strengthening Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness
The Global Fund’s response to Mpox goes beyond managing this specific outbreak, contributing to the broader global strategy for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR). Mpox has highlighted how quickly zoonotic diseases can spread across borders, underlining the need for stronger health systems capable of early detection, rapid response, and effective containment of emerging health threats. The Global Fund plays a key role in building these capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are often fragile. By investing in disease surveillance, improving diagnostic networks, and reinforcing healthcare delivery systems, the Global Fund is helping to create a more resilient global health infrastructure that is better prepared for future pandemics. This science-based approach is essential to ensuring that emerging diseases, like Mpox or potential future pandemics, can be contained before they become widespread public health emergencies.
Support for vulnerable populations
One of the core principles and values of the Global Fund since its creation is its support for marginalized and vulnerable populations. In regions where Mpox outbreaks are linked to high-risk communities, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), the Global Fund works to ensure that stigma and discrimination do not prevent individuals from accessing healthcare services.
Moreover, the Global Fund prioritizes countries with weak healthcare infrastructure, recognizing that these populations would be disproportionately affected by a simultaneous Mpox outbreak and ongoing challenges such as HIV/AIDS, as is the case in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On September 18th, 2024, the Global Fund announced a USD 10 million support for DRC’s Mpox response, “working through the priority areas of the government’s National Preparedness and Response Plan.”
Collaborative efforts with global partners
The Global Fund’s comprehensive response to Mpox and its efforts to bolster pandemic prevention and preparedness are guided by its commitment to strategic partnerships with global health organizations. These collaborations, including with the Pandemic Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are integral to securing and distributing vaccines to underserved populations. Gavi’s expertise in managing vaccine supply chains ensures that life-saving vaccines can reach high-risk communities swiftly, even in regions with weak infrastructure. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are integral to enhancing disease surveillance and training healthcare workers to manage cases efficiently. These partnerships enable a coordinated, multisectoral response, pooling resources and expertise to strengthen global health security in the fight against Mpox and other potential pandemics.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite these efforts, the response to Mpox faces several challenges, such as vaccine shortages. Although smallpox vaccines provide some protection against Mpox, global supplies remain limited. The Global Fund continues to advocate for equitable access to vaccines, ensuring that high-risk populations in low-income countries receive priority access. Much like HIV/AIDS, Mpox outbreaks in non-endemic regions are met with stigma, particularly against LGBTQIA+ communities, and the Global Fund is working with local organizations to combat misinformation.
Looking ahead: Preparing for future outbreaks
The Mpox outbreak, much like the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of global health security and the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The global pandemic treaty that is being discussed symbolizes the emergency to ensure that countries are better equipped to handle future health crises through enhanced cooperation, coordinated planning, and resource sharing.
The Global Fund’s response to Mpox has demonstrated the value of adaptable, flexible funding mechanisms that can be quickly mobilized in response to emerging health threats. Moving forward, the Global Fund will continue to collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable access to health products and facilitate service delivery, while also focusing on strengthening health systems to be better prepared for future outbreaks. Today, the Global Fund allocates one-third of its budget to reinforcing health systems, a key element in building resilience against global health threats.
Conclusion
The Global Fund’s rapid response to the Mpox outbreak highlights its essential role in global health crises. As the world struggles with new health challenges, the Global Fund’s response to emerging pandemics offers a model for future international health responses, a model that builds lasting impact and drives systemic change for stronger and more adaptable health systems worldwide.
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Read the Global Fund technical brief on Mpox
Read the Global Fund 2024 results report
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[1] In September 2024, the first case of mpox in India was declared, showing the expansion of the disease beyond its original boundaries.