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.