Webinar details:
Date: 5 November 2024
Time: 12:00 PM Nigeria Time | 2:00 PM South African Time | 3:00 PM Ethiopia Time
Duration: 90 minutes
Languages: English, French and Portuguese (interpretation available)
Register here: https://undp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jNWcrZONQM-LZa-7H12QOQ
This information session on addressing the impact of Mpox on sex workers in Africa is organized by the UNDP HIV and Health Group (Africa), the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA) and the African Sex Workers (ASWA).
It aims to raise awareness, disseminate critical health information and promote community-centred approaches to addressing the dual burden of Mpox and HIV among sex workers.
This session will cover the following objectives:
- Provide epidemiological updates on the Mpox outbreak, its prevention and impact on sex workers.
- Discuss the intersection of Mpox and HIV, and access to comprehensive health care services and social protection mechanisms.
- Highlight the role of sex worker-led organizations and networks in responding to Mpox.
- Explore policy and legal reforms for protecting sex workers from stigma and discrimination in the context of Mpox.
Speakers will include experts from: ARASA, ASWA, UNAIDS, UNDP and WHO.
We look forward to your participation in this webinar.
Access the recording here
For the main takeways and insight read the comments section below.
Key insights and takeaways include:
- Sex Workers Led Interventions: Empowering sex worker networks to lead outreach, education, and prevention efforts can significantly reduce Mpox incidence and strengthen community resilience. There is a need for the development of clear guidelines and procedures on transmission prevention, symptom recognition, self-care, and protocols for when and how to seek healthcare support.
- National Emergency Response Plan: Development of an emergency response plan based on science, and respect for human rights for all. It should include a comprehensive support system and provide for protective measures to safeguard the well-being of sex workers during Mpox.
- De-stigmatising Mpox: National response Interventions should respond to and recognize the disproportional vulnerabilities in different populations, to avoid stigmatization or implying that other populations are not at risk at all. Mpox affects children, young people, women, men, and any persons with multiple sex partners. The stigma associated with Mpox can adversely affect prevention treatment programmes and heightens human rights violations amongst communities already stigmatized.
- The Nexus between HIV and Mpox: Evidence suggests that persons with HIV and on ART and have a healthy CD4 cell count are not at elevated risks for most infections including opportunistic infections such as Mpox, underscoring the importance of testing, knowing your status and enrolment into an ART programme if positive.
- Persistent inequalities in health system strengthening for Mpox in the Continent: Current analysis of our health systems management shows disparities in outbreak response capabilities. There is limited timely diagnostics and Mpox vaccines including vigorous monitoring systems.
- Strengthening health systems for Mpox management requires a comprehensive approach: This includes enhanced or robust surveillance and reporting system; equitable access to vaccines and treatments; public awareness to promote preventive measures to Sex workers and education and capacity building in health professionals for better diagnostics; and strengthening cross boarder collaboration for an effective regional and international collaboration.
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