ESG and the Mpox Outbreak
The ESG Institute is committed to advancing the adoption of sustainable practices by organizations, recognizing the profound influence that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have on the global business landscape. Our mission is to offer guidance and insights that empower businesses to navigate and adapt to these evolving standards, ensuring a future of responsible and sustainable operations.
Continuing our efforts to shed light on the critical aspects of ESG, we are pleased to present a series of in-depth interviews with experts who are shaping the future of sustainability. This series aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of ESG, drawing on the extensive knowledge and experience of our panel of ESG advisors and other prominent industry leaders.
Our goal is to equip businesses and organizations with the insights and strategies they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving ESG landscape. Through these conversations, The ESG Institute seeks to provide actionable guidance and strategic perspectives, helping companies effectively address the challenges and opportunities that arise from the integration of ESG principles into their operations.
In this installment, conducted on August 17th, we had the privilege of speaking with Jaime Amoedo, Executive Director of The ESG Institute. Jaime brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of ESG issues, making him a leading voice in the field. In this interview, he discusses the recent declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency by the WHO, the critical role of ESG in addressing such crises, and the broader implications for global health systems and economies.
Jaime, thank you for joining us today. Given your role at The ESG Institute, Could you provide us with an overview of the situation and what this declaration means?
Certainly. The WHO's declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency underscores the alarming resurgence of this disease, particularly in regions like Africa, where cases have surged by over 70% in recent months. This declaration is a wake-up call, signaling that we are not merely dealing with a localized outbreak but a potential global health crisis. The Mpox situation illustrates the interconnectedness of global health, environmental sustainability, and governance. Mpox, a zoonotic disease, is exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change, which push wildlife closer to human populations, thereby increasing the risk of outbreaks. The global spread of Mpox, which has now reached over 116 countries and infected nearly 100,000 people, puts our international health systems and the effectiveness of coordinated global governance to the test.
A particularly illustrative case occurred in Nigeria, where Mpox re-emerged in 2017 after a 39-year hiatus. Initially, the disease was mistaken for other conditions, including chickenpox and syphilis, due to its unusual presentation in patients, many of whom were men with genital lesions. It wasn’t until months later that health professionals, faced with a series of perplexing cases across different cities, connected these symptoms to Mpox. The Nigerian outbreak, which likely spread undetected for at least two years before the disease was identified, underscores the critical need for vigilant global health monitoring and rapid response systems.
How does this situation relate to ESG principles?
The Mpox outbreak is a stark reminder that ESG principles are critical frameworks for addressing global crises. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, often dismissed as corporate buzzwords, are essential for mitigating crises that transcend national borders. For instance, the environmental aspect of ESG stresses the importance of sustainable practices in preventing further zoonotic diseases. Studies have shown that up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, largely driven by environmental degradation. Socially, it's about ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources. According to the WHO, there is a significant disparity in vaccine distribution, with only 10% of low-income countries receiving adequate doses. Strong governance, as seen in successful management cases like South Korea’s swift response to COVID-19, is essential in managing and containing such outbreaks. The Mpox crisis exemplifies why integrating ESG principles into both public and private sector strategies is not just beneficial but necessary for safeguarding global health and stability.
Let's talk about the environmental aspect. How has environmental degradation contributed to the spread of Mpox?
The resurgence of Mpox vividly demonstrates how environmental degradation directly contributes to the spread of zoonotic diseases. Deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change are key drivers pushing wildlife into closer contact with human populations. For example, the rapid deforestation in the Amazon, which has seen over 20% of the rainforest destroyed since 1970, has significantly increased human-wildlife interactions, leading to a rise in zoonotic diseases like Mpox. Similarly, the expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia, responsible for nearly 50% of global palm oil production, has led to significant habitat destruction, displacing wildlife and heightening the risk of disease transmission. In Nigeria, where the Mpox virus re-emerged, the disease spread under the radar for at least two years, likely exacerbated by environmental factors that pushed the virus into closer contact with human populations. These cases clearly illustrate how environmental mismanagement can have profound public health implications, highlighting the urgent need to address these environmental crises..
What does the ESG framework suggest for preventing such environmental impacts in the future?
In light of these challenges, there is a growing recognition that environmental stewardship is not just a moral obligation but a critical component of global health security. The ESG framework offers a pathway to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks by prioritizing sustainable practices. Governments need to enforce stricter environmental regulations to protect natural habitats and curb activities leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. For example, Brazil's government, despite recent setbacks, has begun implementing policies aimed at reducing deforestation by 60% by 2030. Corporate responsibility is also crucial, particularly in industries like agriculture, mining, and forestry, where supply chain decisions can significantly impact the environment. Companies like Unilever are leading the way by committing to sustainable sourcing practices, aiming for a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. Investment in conservation is equally vital; protecting and restoring natural ecosystems not only preserves biodiversity but also acts as a buffer against the spillover of zoonotic diseases.
Shifting to the social dimension, how has the Mpox outbreak exposed global disparities in healthcare?
The Mpox outbreak has starkly exposed global disparities in healthcare infrastructure. While wealthier nations have rapidly mobilized resources, countries in Africa and other developing regions face significant challenges. For instance, Africa has received less than 10% of the vaccine doses required, despite being one of the hardest-hit regions. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a new, deadlier Mpox variant recently surged through a mining town, driven by men visiting women sex workers. This outbreak quickly spread to Goma, a city of nearly 2 million, and has now reached neighboring countries like Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya—nations that had never seen Mpox before. These inequities not only prolong the outbreak but also pose a global threat, as uncontained outbreaks in one region can easily spread worldwide. The WHO's COVAX initiative, aimed at equitable vaccine distribution, has struggled to meet its targets, with only 30% of promised doses delivered to low-income countries by mid-2023.
What role does the social dimension of ESG play in addressing these disparities?
The social dimension of ESG emphasizes the need for urgent attention to global health equity. The Mpox crisis highlights the importance of ensuring that medical resources are distributed equitably. No one is safe until everyone is protected, and this principle must guide global health strategies. International organizations, governments, and the private sector must collaborate to ensure that vaccines, treatments, and healthcare infrastructure are accessible to all, regardless of geographic or economic barriers. For instance, initiatives like the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which aims to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines, provide a model for how global cooperation can be achieved. However, the responsibility also lies with wealthier nations and global corporations. Governments in developed countries must commit to sharing vaccines and funding healthcare improvements in less developed regions, while the private sector, particularly pharmaceutical companies, should prioritize the production and distribution of affordable vaccines and treatments for developing nations.
Governance plays a crucial role in managing crises like this. How have different countries' responses highlighted the importance of strong governance?
The Mpox crisis has revealed significant variations in how countries manage public health emergencies, particularly in governance, transparency, and ethical decision-making. For example, New Zealand's transparent and data-driven approach to managing COVID-19, characterized by early border closures and widespread testing, has been praised globally. On the other hand, some countries have struggled with transparency and coordination, leading to prolonged outbreaks and public distrust. In contrast, India has implemented innovative solutions like the CoWIN platform to streamline vaccine distribution, but the scale of the crisis has highlighted the need for stronger rural healthcare systems. These examples underscore the importance of strong governance in crisis management.
How does governance fit into the ESG framework in this context?
Effective governance is a cornerstone of the ESG framework, especially in managing global health crises like Mpox. Strong governance structures ensure that responses to emergencies are effective, ethical, and transparent. This requires leadership that is accountable to both citizens and the global community. For instance, countries that have established independent public health agencies, like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tend to have more coordinated and transparent responses. In the private sector, companies must ensure responsible supply chain practices and contribute to global efforts through transparent reporting and collaboration with international organizations. The WHO and other international bodies play a crucial role in setting standards, but their effectiveness depends on the commitment of individual countries to uphold these standards. The recent adoption of the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) is an example of how global governance can be strengthened to better respond to health emergencies..
Finally, what are the broader implications of the Mpox outbreak, and what does the future of ESG in global health look like?
The Mpox outbreak presents significant challenges not only for public health but also for global economic stability. Health crises like Mpox can disrupt global trade, reduce workforce productivity, and trigger economic downturns. The World Bank estimates that pandemics and epidemics could cost the global economy up to $570 billion annually, or 0.7% of global GDP, if not adequately managed. The economic impact is particularly severe in developing countries, where healthcare systems are often underfunded and ill-equipped to handle widespread outbreaks. In the case of Mpox, the economic toll has been exacerbated by the delay in recognizing the disease's spread, as seen in Nigeria and other African nations, where the virus silently circulated for years before being identified.
The future of ESG in global health is critical; the interconnected nature of our world means health crises are no longer confined to their regions of origin. Integrating ESG principles into global health strategies is essential for building resilient healthcare systems and promoting sustainable growth. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, ensuring social equity, and maintaining strong governance, we can create a more sustainable and secure future for all. For example, ongoing research and genomic studies are critical in understanding the origins and spread of diseases like Mpox, which can inform better prevention and response strategies. These efforts must be supported by a global commitment to shared responsibility and resource allocation.
What message would you like to leave our readers with?
The Mpox crisis is more than just a public health emergency; it’s a stark illustration of the price we pay for ignoring the interconnectedness of our world. We often think of pandemics as isolated events, but they are symptomatic of deeper, systemic issues in how we interact with our environment, structure our societies, and govern our global systems. The emergence of Mpox should be a wake-up call for us all—a vivid reminder that the boundaries between environmental stewardship, social equity, and effective governance are not as clear-cut as we might like to believe.
The decisions we make today—whether as individuals, companies, or nations—will ripple out across the globe and across generations. It’s time we stop thinking of ESG as just a checklist or a set of guidelines and start seeing it as a blueprint for survival. We need to innovate, collaborate, and act decisively to build a world where public health, environmental sustainability, and social justice are not competing priorities, but complementary ones. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of change. Let this crisis be a catalyst for a global transformation that is not just necessary, but long overdue.
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