WHO Declares Outbreak of Mpox Virus in African Countries

A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) for outbreaks of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African countries. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made this pronouncement after an independent review by IHR Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005).

Essential data from WHO and affected nations enabled these experts, drawn from different disciplines, to assess the increasing numbers of mpox cases on a continental scale and global transmission potential. Their assessment though based on information shared with them by WHO and affected countries only indicated that it was not business as usual. They observed a big surge particularly in Eastern DRC and vicinity, pointed out its rapid dissemination and thus raised alarm of which its global spread is a consequence.

Dr. Tedros said that there was critical need for international cooperation in fighting this growing health catastrophe when he said “The advent of a new clade of mpox being rapidly transmitted in eastern DRC with reports emerging from several neighboring states is highly disconcerting. These outbreaks must be stopped immediately through an international effort so as to prevent loss of lives.”

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Africa, also commented on the effort being made to try and combat the virus. “Significant measures are already in place with close collaboration between communities and governments. Given this rapidly expanding geographic distribution, we are intensifying our response through coordinated international efforts to support affected countries and end the outbreaks.”

The WHO is working actively with national teams and governments across Africa in the implementation of the various strategies to contain the virus, scaling up international support aimed at enhancing the overall response in mitigating the spread of mpox.

The PHEIC declaration means that mpox is now a global emergency that needs urgent action and solidarity. WHO’s action will be to strengthen containment measures, enhance surveillance, and provide support to the affected regions in ensuring this health emergency is managed to full recovery.