As the World Health Organisation (WHO) asks countries to step up vigil against Monkeypox (Mpox), the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has also sounded an alert, saying that in the fight against the outbreak, prioritising the needs of children is not only necessary but urgent.

A new variant of the mpox virus (clade Ib) is causing concern due to its potential for wider transmission across age groups, including young children. Mpox is affecting thousands of children across Africa.