For the second time in two years, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a global public health emergency.
The decision followed an outbreak of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its subsequent spread to neighbouring countries.
On Wednesday, an emergency committee convened to advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).
“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives
“The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying,” Tedros stated
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken significant steps to support the mpox response in Africa.
Ghebreyesus announced the release of $1 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies highlighting the urgent need for further funding, with a regional response plan requiring $15 million to enhance surveillance, preparedness, and response activities.
Two vaccines for mpox have also been approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities and recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE).
Ghebreyesus also initiated the Emergency Use Listing process for these vaccines, which will be distributed through Gavi and UNICEF.
