In August, the World Council of Churches (WCC) called on faith communities to work alongside governments and wider civil society to overcome the mpox outbreak. Dr. Manoj Kurian, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, offered an update on how churches are contributing to the prevention and treatment of mpox.

What motivated the WCC to issue this call? 

Dr Kurian: Supporting the capacity of churches to make effective, efficient and sustainable contributions to the overall wellbeing of people is a core function of the WCC's health and healing work. We, therefore, work to ensure that member churches are made aware of the emerging challenges facing communities, encourage them to be at the forefront of addressing these challenges, and accompany churches and Christian communities in a fruitful dialogue between faith and science. 

How can religious communities contribute to the fight against the outbreak of mpox?

Dr Kurian: Be informed, communicate reliable information regarding the outbreak, and work against misinformation. Educate communities in the prevention of transmission and to prevent the stigmatization of people affected. Provide care and spiritual and psychosocial support for those affected by mpox. Hold national governments accountable for committing resources and public health responses and removing barriers to accessing prevention, care, and treatment of mpox. Advocate for countries in the global north to release stockpiles of mpox vaccine for use in most affected regions. Advocate for the transfer of technology in diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines so that qualified generic manufacturers can scale up their production to ensure quick and affordable access to quality products. Continue to advocate for functioning health systems that provide universal health care.

Why is it crucial to mobilize these communities in this effort?

Dr Kurian: A public health crisis can only be overcome by engaging and mobilizing communities. These communities can be those who are affected or potentially affected, or even those who are not affected but who stand in solidarity with those who are vulnerable. Faith communities are inextricably and consistently linked to the broader community in good times and in difficult times. Faith communities and institutions are trusted and relied upon by the wider society.

What concrete actions can they undertake?

Dr Kurian: They can share reliable information and counter misinformation; work with health authorities to implement campaigns, prevention, and treatment; and contribute to early diagnosis and case detection, and remind communities to follow isolation and prevention guidelines.

They can also work with authorities and healthcare providers to strengthen capacity to identify mpox cases and conduct contact tracing, and provide support and care to individuals and work against stigma and discrimination.

How have these communities responded to this call so far? Are you aware of any initiatives currently being undertaken?

Dr Kurian: Yes, some member churches, especially those in the most vulnerable regions, have responded positively. We are also working with international church partners such as the German Medial Mission (Difäm), who are supporting churches, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they are working with churches on a mapping exercise to assess the severity of the situation. Churches are also using the latest information and appeals to develop their own messages in local languages. The WCC is closely monitoring the situation with the international community.

Have you previously issued a similar call for other pandemics, and if so, what were the outcomes?

Dr Kurian: The WCC has a long history of accompanying communities coping with epidemics and outbreaks. The response to HIV and AIDS began in 1984 when the WHO asked the WCC to assist in responding to the crisis. Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox outbreaks have also seen a consistent response from the WCC. The three critical elements of this response are:

Facilitating faith communities to see the crisis through the lens of their faith and their commitments to live and act on their faith.

Accompanying faith communities with up-to-date and reliable information and supporting peer learning and sharing of knowledge, wisdom and experience from communities.

The WCC works closely with other faith communities and the WHO to ensure that our responses are synchronized and coherent with the global and inter-faith response.

What is your advice for gatherings, especially concerning the new outbreak? Especially in affected countries?

Dr Kurian: Stay up to date with the latest information and guidance on Mpox outbreaks in your area. Promote awareness with information about Mpox and preventive measures. Always follow public health guidance on masks, distancing and other preventive measures, especially in affected regions. Reduce the risk of exposure by avoiding close contact and practising good hygiene. This includes washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after physical contact with others. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available. In churches and places of worship, regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g. doorknobs, tables), especially in public or communal areas.

Where possible, opt for virtual or outdoor meetings, as open-air spaces allow for better ventilation, reducing the risk of virus transmission. Encourage careful handling and thorough cooking of food containing animal parts or meat in areas where animals carry mpox.

Encourage the reporting of suspected new cases to health authorities and ensure that people are isolated with appropriate care in their homes/special facilities if symptoms appear.

 Promote vaccination where available, especially for care workers and the most vulnerable in the community.