The CDC Foundation has announced a $1 million commitment from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to address on-the-ground needs in response to the monkeypox outbreak.

According to the CDC Foundation, monkeypox, a rare but serious disease, has spread to more than 51,000 people in nearly 100 countries, including nearly 19,000 cases in the United States—the most of any nation. Monkeypox can be transmitted from skin-to-skin contact as well as coming into contact with objects and materials a person with monkeypox has used. The commitment will support the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, which has been activated to meet fast-emerging needs identified by CDC and the nation’s public health community in response to the threat posed by the virus.

“We must take action now to stop this outbreak. There are many critical needs, including comprehensive health communication campaigns and education materials, which can be used to raise awareness about key protective measures, particularly for use in those communities with the greatest risk and concentration of cases,” said CDC Foundation president and CEO Judy Monroe. “Beyond communications, there is a need for community outreach activities, coordination of vaccination and testing at large events, and additional work with community health organizations and partners.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Berkay Ataseven)