Current Affairs-Topics

WHO Declares Mpox Emergency: Global Health Alert Renewed

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time.

WHO's Declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency

  • Declared on August 14, 2024, by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
  • Second time mpox has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
  • Decision based on advice from an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts
  • Outbreak centered in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with spread to neighboring countries
  • New variant (clade Ib) appears to spread more easily through routine close contact
  • Over 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths reported in Africa this year
  • Aims to accelerate research, funding, and international cooperation to contain the disease

Mpox Overview and Current Situation

  • Viral infection that can spread through close contact
  • Usually mild, but can be fatal in rare cases
  • Causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body
  • New clade Ib variant detected in DRC, spreading to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
  • Over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported in DRC so far this year
  • Transmission routes in Congo need further study
  • No vaccines currently available in affected areas, efforts underway to change this

WHO's Response and Funding

  • WHO released $1.5 million in contingency funds
  • Plans to release more funds in coming days
  • Initial response plan requires $15 million
  • Appeal to donors for additional funding
  • Working on potential vaccine donations and coordinating with partners
  • Triggered process for Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines
  • Aims to accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries

Impact and Implications of PHEIC Declaration

  • Highest alert level from WHO
  • Legally binds member countries to respond and take appropriate steps
  • Encourages international funding for research and vaccine development
  • Helps generate public awareness about the disease
  • Facilitates coordinated international response to stop outbreaks and save lives
  • Accelerates access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools

WHO: United Nations Agency for Health Promotion

  • WHO – World Health Organization
  • Founded in 1948, WHO connects nations, partners, and people to promote health.
  • Leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage.
  • Directs and coordinates the world's response to health emergencies.
  • Promotes healthier lives from pregnancy care to old age.
  • Sets Triple Billion targets for good health using science-based policies and programs.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Director General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

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