FAO welcomes fast-track funding from Pandemic Fund to boost pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities in mpox affected and at-risk countries
FAO is pleased to announce its strong support for the Pandemic Fund’s recent decision to fast-track USD 128.89 million in funding to combat infectious disease threats, including mpox, across 10 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. This critical financing will strengthen pandemic preparedness and response efforts, specifically targeting vulnerable communities affected and at high risk of infection by mpox and other emerging zoonotic diseases.
FAO recognizes the urgency of tackling zoonotic diseases such as mpox, which threaten not only human health but also animal health, food safety, food security, and livelihoods – particularly in low- and middle-income countries. FAO’s One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and this funding will support integrated interventions in line with this approach to prevent and respond to mpox outbreaks as well as strengthen capacities to prevent, prepare and respond to other pandemic threats in the future.
Building resilience through targeted collaborative action
The funding decision was approved by the Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board and is designed to bolster the global response to mpox outbreaks and other infectious diseases in countries across Central and East Africa. The selected countries have been disproportionately affected or at high risk of infection by mpox and other zoonotic disease threats. Strengthening their capacity to respond to these health emergencies is crucial to preventing further outbreaks and safeguarding food systems.
FAO will work with WHO, UNICEF, and AIIB as partner Implementing Entities, supporting governments, civil society and others to promote One Health across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Thanawat Tiensin, FAO Director, Animal Production and Health Division and Chief Veterinarian, welcomed the fast-tracked funding: "The rapid decision by the Pandemic Fund will significantly bolster efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks, supporting in particular mpox affected countries, which like other infectious diseases pose serious risks to local and global health, food security, and livelihoods. FAO stands ready to support our member countries through integrated One Health approaches that protect both people and animals and safeguards the environment."
Fast-track projects: Strengthening One Health systems
The fast-track financing will enable a range of interventions that include strengthening surveillance systems, increasing laboratory capacities, and workforce development, including improving cross-sectoral coordination between human and animal health authorities. These activities are crucial in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases such as mpox where resources in these countries are already severely overstretched.
The projects will focus on better understanding and mitigation of the risk of animal-human transmissions of mpox through promoting risk reduction measures at the animal source and along the food value-chain. This aligns with FAO’s broader mission to transform agrifood systems to be more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
Looking ahead
As the world continues to face the threat of zoonotic diseases and other emerging health risks, FAO remains committed to promoting sustainable agrifood systems and protecting global health and food security. The Pandemic Fund’s fast-track financing will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of vulnerable countries to combat current and future outbreaks and protect their populations, livelihoods, and food systems.