International Christian aid organisation World Vision is calling for immediate action to protect children from the deadly mpox variant spreading across Central Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently the worst affected country, with 39% of its 7851 reported cases being children under five years old. At least 240 young people have already died from the outbreak, accounting for 62% of the total deaths. 

World Vision are calling for international intervention to provide vaccines, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

National Director of World Vision DR Congo, Aline Napon said: “Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox, especially in low and middle-income countries, including those suffering humanitarian crises and where health and social services are weak or non-existent. 

“Children are especially at risk where they are living in refugee camps, overcrowded urban settlements, and where malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sanitation, and poor health services exist”.   

Living conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo are already dire, as much of the population are living in displacement camps, due to conflict in the country and high levels of sexual violence.  

Many churches have had to close due to persecution from terror groups such as ISIS. Last month, 80 Christians were murdered in the DRC in attacks which ISIS claimed responsibility for.