The UK government has announced £5.5 million for research into transmission, new vaccines and treatments to tackle the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries.
The significant investment is part of the UK’s international response to mpox: providing critical support to countries at the centre of the outbreak and strengthening global health security, while ensuring the UK is protected.
The funding will go towards research projects focused on:
- studying the genetics and transmission patterns of clade 1b mpox and strengthening public health responses in affected regions
- developing vaccines, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable groups
- supporting clinical trials involving mothers and newborn children - including improving the efficacy of vaccines and antiviral treatments
Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: "We are proud to be at the forefront of the international response to mpox. This crucial funding will develop our understanding of the disease, and hopefully develop new ways of protecting people at risk of this terrible disease - particularly mothers and their babies who are particularly vulnerable. It will also help protect the UK and improve our resilience to future outbreaks."
Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said: "Working together as genuine partners to tackle infectious diseases helps us all. Since August, the UK has been working with others including UNICEF and the WHO to bolster the international response to mpox and prevent its spread across borders.By investing in expertise, we will better equip the international community to tackle this disease and protect communities both in central Africa and at home in the UK."
