United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon initiated the constitution of the UN Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) to finance unfunded priorities in the response to the Zika outbreak.
Aims:
- To provide a rapid, flexible and accountable platform to support a coordinated response
- Support the Zika Strategic Response Framework, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in consultation with UN agencies, partners and international epidemiological experts
Donors from the nations will share the contributions and an Advisory Committee will direct funds to the affected countries where priority activities to be done.
History:
- Since January 2015, 61 countries and territories have affected by local transmission of Zika – caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes
- Spread and affected the number of children being born with unusually small heads – identified as microcephaly
- Several countries have reported an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome – a neurological disorder that can lead to paralysis and death.
Announcement of WHO:
Number of cases of microcephaly and other neurological disorders, in particular Guillain-Barré syndrome, established a public health emergency of International concern
Consequence of Zika virus:
- Severe fetal malformations and serious disorders of the central nervous system
- Microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome
The Zika Strategic Response Framework:
Aims to investigate and respond to the number of microcephaly and other neurological complications linked to Zika virus, increase preventive measures, communicate risks and provide care and support to those affected.
