WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency Source, citing the spread of a more virulent strain of the virus into four previously unaffected countries. The move comes as the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security just days earlier.
A Threat to Global Health:
The WHO’s decision was made after an emergency meeting of independent experts, who advised Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that the outbreak constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This is the highest level of alarm under international health law, indicating a need for a coordinated international response to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Situation on the Ground:
Since the beginning of the year, over 17,000 mpox cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported in 13 African countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been hit the hardest, accounting for 96% of confirmed cases in August. The virus has also spread to four previously unaffected countries in Africa, raising concerns about its potential spread beyond the continent.
What is Mpox|Mpox Symptoms?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which can spread easily between people and from infected animals. Symptoms include .
- fever
- painful rash
- headache
- muscle and back pain
- low energy
- and enlarged lymph nodes. The virus can be spread through close contact, contaminated materials, and other routes.
WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Global Health Emergency The Need for a Coordinated Response:
The WHO emphasized the importance of a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak. “We can stop transmission of mpox with a concerted effort using multiple approaches,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention. The organization has signed off on the Emergency Use Listing process for both mpox vaccines and developed a regional response plan requiring $15 million.
Vaccines and Containment Efforts:
Half a million doses of the vaccine are in stock, and an additional 2.4 million could be produced by the end of the year. The DRC and Nigeria will be the first to receive these vaccines, African Regional Emergency Director Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye announced. Increased surveillance, diagnostics, and research are also crucial to fill “gaps in understanding” and contain the spread of the virus.
Key Takeaways:
- The WHO has declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency.
- The outbreak has spread to four previously unaffected countries in Africa.
- Over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported in 13 African countries.
- A coordinated international response is essential to stop the outbreak and save lives.
Alarming Surge in Mpox Cases: Urgent Action Needed to Curb the Outbreak
Why this matters:
The mpox outbreak poses a significant threat to global health, and a coordinated international response is crucial to contain the spread of the virus. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments and follow these key stakeholders for updates:
