Nairobi, Sep 11 (IANS): The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday issued an appeal for 21.4 million US dollars to support 9.9 million forcibly displaced people and host communities across 35 African countries.

The UN refugee agency said the funds, which will run until December, aim to ramp up critical response and prevention efforts for refugees in countries impacted by the monkeypox emergency.

"These funds are also essential to ensure that refugees and other forcibly displaced people are fully integrated into government-led preparedness and response plans," the UNHCR said in a statement.

The agency reported that some 88 mpox cases have been detected among refugees in Africa, with 68 cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has recorded the highest number globally. Cases have also been confirmed among refugees in the Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

The UNHCR said although mpox has been endemic in parts of Africa for decades, the rise of a new strain, clade 1b, particularly in the DRC, prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern on Aug. 14.

In 2024 alone, over 20,000 suspected cases have been reported across Africa, according to the UNHCR. It called on the international community for increased financial support to enhance preparedness, reduce exposure, and mitigate the impact of the outbreak on the most vulnerable.

Africa is home to over a third of the world's forcibly displaced population, many of whom reside in areas severely affected by mpox, exacerbating already challenging conditions caused by conflict, underfunded humanitarian efforts, and frequent disasters, the UNHCR said.

"The mpox emergency threatens to further strain already overstretched humanitarian resources, potentially disrupting critical services and aid such as food distribution, education and protection activities," it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

In response, the UNHCR said it has reinforced handwashing points in refugee camps and transit centers, increased soap distribution, and improved access to diagnostic testing. It has also enhanced disease surveillance, screening, and reporting, while expanding training for community health workers. Additionally, the UNHCR has ramped up community outreach to combat misinformation and reduce stigma surrounding mpox.