SRHIN AFRICA Website
by Peace Oregbesan | February 25, 2025
What Is Mpox? Understanding the Virus and Its Global Reach
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It has led to multiple outbreaks, with severe economic consequences for affected regions.
The 2022–2023 global outbreak highlighted the economic impact of mpox, straining healthcare systems, reducing workforce productivity, and destabilizing local economies.
The Mpox Economic Impact: How Outbreaks Disrupt Communities
1. Rising Healthcare Costs and Overburdened Medical Systems
The economic burden of mpox has forced governments and local authorities to redirect healthcare funds, leading to:
- Increased spending on testing, treatment, and vaccination programs
- Overcrowded hospitals and clinics
- Reduced funding for other essential public health programs
2. Lost Productivity and Workforce Disruptions
Mpox outbreaks cause financial instability as infected individuals must isolate, impacting both formal and informal workers. Key effects include:
- Reduced household incomes due to job loss or unpaid sick leave
- Labor shortages in healthcare, retail, and transportation sectors
- Supply chain disruptions, increasing the cost of goods and services
3. Decline in Business and Tourism Sectors
Communities dependent on small businesses and tourism have been among the hardest hit by the mpox economic impact. Consequences include:
- Reduced foot traffic in markets and shopping areas
- Canceled travel plans, affecting hotels, restaurants, and tour operators
- Business closures, leading to higher unemployment rates
4. Worsening Socioeconomic Inequalities
Mpox disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities, who face:
- Limited access to affordable healthcare and early treatment
- Higher exposure risks due to crowded living conditions
- Greater financial difficulty in recovering from economic setbacks
Slum and Rural Health Initiative’s Response to Mpox
At Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN), we are dedicated to minimizing the economic impact of mpox by:
✅ Providing free healthcare services in underserved communities
✅ Running awareness campaigns to prevent and detect mpox early
✅ Distributing medical supplies, including PPE and essential medications
✅ Advocating for health policies that support low-income populations
✅ Partnering with local and global organizations to expand outreach
Our mission is to to promote health equity and improve healthcare access for all even during the mpox crisis.
Government and Community Solutions to Mitigate Mpox Economic Impact
1. Emergency Financial Assistance & Policy Support
Governments can reduce the economic impact of mpox by:
- Providing financial relief to affected workers and businesses
- Subsidizing medical expenses for testing and treatment
- Launching public health campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early care
2. Community-Led Economic Recovery Efforts
- Offering food and financial aid to struggling families
- Providing free or subsidized healthcare in underserved areas
- Advocating for stronger public health and economic policies
Final Thoughts: Strengthening Economic and Public Health Resilience
The mpox economic impact extends beyond infections—it affects businesses, families, and entire economies. By investing in healthcare infrastructure, supporting affected workers, and ensuring equitable access to medical care, we can reduce the financial burden of future outbreaks.
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