WHO Declares Mpox Emergency: Global Health Alert Renewed

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.