SWITZERLAND— The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global public health emergency following a significant viral infection outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has rapidly spread to neighbouring countries.
The declaration came shortly after Africa’s top public health body, the Africa CDC, declared Mpox an emergency and warned of its rapid spread across the continent.
This declaration marks the second Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to Mpox within the last two years.
The first was declared in July 2022, when a multi-country outbreak of Mpox spread rapidly via sexual contact in regions where the virus had not previously been reported.
Although this PHEIC was declared over in May 2023 after a sustained decline in global cases, the virus’s resurgence in Africa, coupled with the emergence of a new strain, has reignited global concern.
In making this announcement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the upsurge of Mpox in the DRC, along with its spread to several African nations, constitutes a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations (2005).
This determination was made based on the advice of independent experts from the IHR Emergency Committee, who reviewed data presented by WHO and affected countries earlier in the day.
The Committee advised Dr Ghebreyesus that the situation in Africa represents a serious threat, with the potential for the virus to spread beyond the continent.
In his remarks, Dr Ghebreyesus highlighted the emergence of a new clade of Mpox, its alarming spread in eastern DRC, and the detection of cases in neighbouring countries as particularly concerning.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
On her part, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, noted that significant efforts are already underway in collaboration with communities and governments to curb the spread of Mpox.
However, she added that the growing number of cases calls for an even more robust and coordinated international response to support affected countries.
Adding to the discourse, Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the IHR Emergency Committee, highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out that Mpox has been largely neglected in Africa despite being endemic in the region for over a decade.
He warned that the emergence of a new sexually transmissible strain, coupled with the virus’s historical neglect, poses a global threat that requires immediate and decisive action.
According to WHO, the new virus strain, clade 1b, which is primarily spreading through sexual networks, has been detected in several neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
In the past month alone, over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in these countries, which had not previously recorded Mpox cases.
However, experts believe the number of cases is much higher, as many clinically compatible cases remain untested.
In response to this escalating crisis, Dr Tedros initiated the process for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Mpox vaccines earlier. This will expedite vaccine access for lower-income countries that have not yet granted national regulatory approval.
This move will enable partners such as Gavi and UNICEF to procure vaccines for distribution.
WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization for Mpox currently recommends two vaccines, which have also been approved by national regulatory authorities in countries including Nigeria and the DRC.
In addition to vaccines, WHO is working with countries and manufacturers on potential vaccine donations and is coordinating with partners through the interim Medical Countermeasures Network to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools.
To support these efforts, WHO anticipates an immediate funding requirement of US$ 15 million for surveillance, preparedness, and response activities.
An initial sum of US$1.45 million has already been released from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, with additional funds expected to be needed in the coming days.
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