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Kaleidoscope Trust, alongside other prominent UK civil society organisations, has called on the UK government to take immediate and decisive action in response to the ongoing mpox public health emergency, which continues to pose a significant global threat.
In a letter addressed to the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon David Lammy MP, the coalition urges the UK to leverage its global health leadership and its successful past efforts to prevent further spread of the virus, particularly in Africa, where the crisis is most acute.
Alongside over 50 health and equality groups, the letter highlights the urgent need for international coordination and comprehensive measures to address the mpox crisis. It calls for widespread testing, vaccination, and transparent sharing of resources and information to ensure the crisis doesn’t escalate. The UK government is specifically urged to support the roll-out of testing and vaccination in Africa, including providing financial and technical support to the regional and global health bodies and advocating for equitable access to vaccines.
Alex Farrow, CEO of Kaleidoscope Trust, added:
“The UK has a critical role to play in preventing this crisis from escalating further. The mpox outbreak is not just a regional issue; it’s a global emergency that requires a united and urgent response. We must act now to save lives and take into account the lessons learned from covid-19 to prevent future global pandemics.
We’re most concerned about the spread of mpox in countries that criminalise the LGBTI+ community. This means especially vulnerable people may not access the care they need due to fear of ending up in prison. This is an unacceptable reality for the global LGBTI+ community that must end.”
The coalition’s letter emphasises that the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic must guide the UK’s response to mpox. It calls for transparency in the global response, equitable vaccine distribution, and long-term commitments to strengthen global health systems, ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected and supported.
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