FILE PHOTO: A logo is pictured at the World Health Organization (WHO) building in Geneva, Switzerland, February 2, 2020. Picture taken February 2, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Africa as a global public health emergency, marking its highest level of alert.
This was declared after an emergency meeting of experts who advised WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that the situation constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern.”
The decision was confirmed by Tedros at a press conference, emphasizing the global significance of the crisis.
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The outbreak, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has resulted in over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths this year alone, surpassing last year’s totals.
The virus, known previously as monkeypox, has spread to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
This declaration triggers international emergency responses under the International Health Regulations and marks the second time mpox has been declared a PHEIC, albeit for a different and more severe strain.
The first PHEIC for mpox was declared in May 2022 due to the clade 2b subclade, which affected around 90,000 people and resulted in approximately 140 deaths.
Mpox, caused by a virus transmitted from animals to humans and through close human contact, causes fever, muscle aches, and severe skin lesions.
In combatting this deadly disease, WHO has recommended two vaccines.
Also, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is enhancing preparedness measures across Africa, focusing on the DRC and other affected areas, to help contain the outbreak and support affected communities.