Director-General of The World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the monkey pox (Mpox) outbreak ‘a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)’.
This decision follows the recommendation of an independent International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, which highlighted the urgency of the crisis due to the rapid spread of mpox, including a new strain known as clade 1b.
There has been an alarming rise of mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several other African nations, as well as other parts of the World.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the emergence of this new mpox strain and its rapid transmission across eastern DRC and neighboring countries.
He underscored the need for a coordinated international response to curb the outbreak and protect lives.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, affirmed that significant efforts are already underway to address the situation, with teams working closely with local communities and governments to enhance containment measures.
However, she stressed that the evolving spread of the virus necessitates intensified international cooperation.
Chair of the Emergency Committee, Professor Dimie Ogoina, highlighted that the current upsurge of mpox in Africa, coupled with the spread of the new sexually transmissible strain, represents a global emergency.
He noted the historical neglect of mpox in Africa and warned against the repetition of past oversights that led to a global outbreak in 2022.
This is the second PHEIC declared for mpox within two years.
Committee Chair Professor Dimie Ogoina said, “The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa, but for the entire globe.
“Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022.
“It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”
The disease, caused by an Orthopoxvirus and first identified in humans in the DRC in 1970, has been endemic to central and west Africa.
A previous PHEIC declared in July 2022, related to a multi-country outbreak, was lifted in May 2023 following a decline in global cases.
The resurgence of mpox, especially with the new clade 1b strain, is of particular concern.
This strain has been spreading primarily through sexual networks and has now been detected in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—countries that had not previously reported mpox cases.
The true number of cases is believed to be higher, given that many clinically compatible cases remain untested.
In response to the crisis, WHO is advancing the Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines to expedite access in lower-income countries.
WHO is also working with partners to facilitate the equitable distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
Immediate funding needs for the response are projected at US$ 15 million, with WHO having already allocated US$ 1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies and appealing to donors for additional support.
