As mpox cases rise among young people in Burundi, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that individuals aged 5 to 19 now represent 33 percent of reported infections.
This alarming statistic is prompting schools and parents to take proactive measures as the new academic year begins.
At a school in western Burundi, staff members are implementing protective strategies for both students and themselves.
The director of ‘Les petits trésors’ stated, “When they line up in front of the flag, they have to keep their distance to avoid touching their friends. And they have to wash their hands.”
In recent weeks, the country has witnessed a more than 40 percent increase in mpox cases, with hundreds reported since July.
Similarly, the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo is also experiencing a surge in mpox infections.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suspected cases in the DRC account for the majority of nearly 30,000 cases recorded across Africa since the start of the year.
In August, the WHO declared the outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency. Outside of Africa, a few cases have been confirmed in countries such as Sweden and Pakistan.