WHO Declares Mpox Surge in Africa a Global Public Health Emergency
World Health Organization Issues Highest Alarm
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the mpox surge in Africa a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation.
Expert Committee Convenes to Study Outbreak
The WHO called a meeting of experts to study the outbreak and make a recommendation to the United Nation (UN) health agency’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Director-General Accepts Recommendation
“Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” Tedros told a press conference.
Global Response to Be Coordinated
“This is something that should concern us all.
“WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence, to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.”
African Union Declares Public Health Emergency
The decision comes after the African Union’s health watchdog declared its own public health emergency over the growing outbreak.
Mpox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mpox has swept through the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus formerly called monkeypox was first discovered in humans in 1970, and spread to other countries.
More Than 14,000 Cases and 524 Deaths Reported
Tedros said the more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported so far this year in DR Congo has already exceeded last year’s total.
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern
A public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) is the highest alarm the WHO can sound.
Triggering Emergency Responses
A PHEIC declaration triggers emergency responses in countries worldwide under the legally binding International Health Regulations.
Second PHEIC in Succession
It is the second PHEIC in succession on mpox — albeit one focused on a different, and more deadly, strain of the virus.
About Mpox
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.
Disease Symptoms
The disease causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions.
Vaccines Available
Two vaccines for mpox are recommended by WHO immunisation experts.
Global Response and Preparedness
The Red Cross said it was scaling up preparedness measures across Africa, notably in the heavily affected eastern DRC.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies voiced “profound concern” over the spread of the virus.
With its broad network, the IFRC said it was prepared to “play a crucial role in containing the spread of the disease, even in the hard-to-reach areas where the need is the greatest”.
Conclusion
The WHO’s declaration of a global public health emergency underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response to the mpox outbreak in Africa.
FAQs
What is mpox? Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.
What are the symptoms of mpox? The disease causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions.
Are there vaccines available for mpox? Yes, two vaccines for mpox are recommended by WHO immunisation experts.
What is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)? A PHEIC is the highest alarm the WHO can sound, triggering emergency responses in countries worldwide under the legally binding International Health Regulations.