The WHO has convened an Emergency Committee to evaluate the international public health threat posed by mpox, following its spread beyond the DRC. With over 14,000 cases reported in the DRC this year, there are additional confirmed cases in neighboring countries. WHO is coordinating response efforts and facilitating vaccine access to manage the outbreak.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the concerning spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. This decision comes in response to the disease’s emergence beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid fears of potential international spread both within Africa and beyond. The Emergency Committee will consist of independent experts from diverse disciplines globally and is tasked with advising whether the current outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the highest alert level recognized by the WHO. Mpox is a viral infection endemic to Central and West Africa, transmitted through contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically manifest as a skin rash or lesions accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease gained international attention two years ago, prompting the designation of its spread as a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022, which ended in May of the following year. In the DRC, a severe outbreak has been ongoing since January 2023, with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported. Notably, the total number of cases within the first half of this year has equaled the total for all of 2022. Simultaneously, about 50 confirmed and suspected cases have appeared in four neighboring countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—indicating the potential for broader implications. The DRC outbreak is primarily attributed to a new variant known as clade 1b, which has shown to cause more severe disease than the clade involved in the global outbreak. As part of WHO’s response strategy, efforts are underway to collaborate with national governments, civil society, and various organizations to understand and mitigate the causes of these outbreaks. WHO has established a regional response plan valued at $15 million, alongside an additional $1 million from its emergency fund to bolster these initiatives. Additionally, WHO has recognized two vaccines for mpox and initiated the Emergency Use Listing process, which is expected to facilitate vaccine accessibility, particularly in lower-income countries. Dr. Tedros emphasized that a comprehensive response prioritizing community engagement is essential for controlling transmission.
Mpox, historically endemic in Central and West Africa, has resurfaced as a critical public health issue with the potential for international spread. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the global community has heightened awareness regarding infectious diseases and the importance of a coordinated public health response. The current situation highlights the increased incidence of mpox in the DRC and neighboring countries, as well as the introduction of a novel viral clade that poses greater risks to public health. The WHO’s prompt action in convening experts and mobilizing resources underscores the urgency of addressing the threat posed by mpox.
In conclusion, the WHO’s swift response to the resurgence of mpox, including the convening of an Emergency Committee and the allocation of resources for vaccination and outbreak management, reflects the organization’s commitment to preventing a potential health crisis. The focus on international cooperation and community engagement will be vital in effectively managing the outbreak and curbing its spread.
Original Source: news.un.org
