Key considerations: Mpox response in urban informal settlements

The World Health Organization declared the second mpox public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in August 2024. Cases of mpox have been reported in both endemic and non-endemic countries in diverse settings in Central and East Africa. In urban areas, there is sustained human-to-human spread of mpox via close physical contact including sexual contact. Of particular concern are urban informal settlements that often face high population densities, overcrowded dwellings and inadequate infrastructure. It is important that the mpox response is adapted to these unique contexts. The mpox response should build upon an array of local capacities and knowledge, including the strategies that these communities have used during previous disease outbreaks.

The brief highlights key issues and good practices that can be carried into the design and delivery of mpox response activities. This brief is based on a rapid review of published and grey literature, drawing on social science evidence on health emergencies in urban informal settlements in sub-Saharan Africa.

This brief complements the collection of SSHAP resources on mpox.