Geneva: In response to the alarming surge of Mpox cases across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African nations, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has officially declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision, made under the International Health Regulations (2005), reflects the serious threat posed by the rapidly spreading virus, particularly the new clade 1b strain.
Rising Threat: Mpox Cases Skyrocket in DRC and Beyond
The declaration followed a crucial meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, where independent experts reviewed data from WHO and affected countries. The Committee unanimously agreed that the escalating Mpox situation, especially the emergence of the new sexually transmissible clade 1b in eastern DRC, demands an urgent and coordinated global response.
Dr. Tedros expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of this new clade, which has not only exacerbated the ongoing outbreak in the DRC but has also led to the detection of cases in several neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. “The emergence of a new clade of Mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in neighboring countries are very worrying. A coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” he emphasized.
The Global Stakes: Lessons from the 2022 Mpox Outbreak
This marks the second PHEIC declaration related to Mpox in just two years. The first, in July 2022, was prompted by a global outbreak that saw the virus spread rapidly via sexual contact across multiple countries, many of which had never encountered Mpox before. That crisis was brought under control by May 2023, following a significant decline in global cases. However, the recent resurgence of the virus, particularly in Africa, highlights the persistent and evolving threat posed by Mpox.
Expert Warnings: Preventing a Repeat of the 2022 Crisis
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the IHR Emergency Committee, stressed the global implications of the current outbreak. “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,” he urged.
Urgent Response: WHO Mobilizes Resources to Combat Mpox
In response to the PHEIC declaration, WHO is mobilizing resources to support affected countries. The organization has released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies and anticipates needing an initial $15 million to scale up surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. WHO is also coordinating with vaccine manufacturers and partners like Gavi and UNICEF to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, particularly for lower-income countries.
Vaccination and Treatment: Accelerating Access in Africa
To address the urgent need for vaccines, Dr. Tedros has triggered the process for Emergency Use Listing for Mpox vaccines. This will expedite vaccine access in countries that have not yet issued national regulatory approvals, allowing international organizations to procure and distribute vaccines more effectively. Currently, two vaccines recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization are in use, with approval from national regulatory authorities in countries like Nigeria and the DRC.
Call to Action: A Coordinated Global Effort Required
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the ongoing efforts in collaboration with communities and governments across the continent. “Significant efforts are already underway, but with the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries in bringing the outbreaks to an end,” she stated.
As the situation continues to evolve, WHO is urging the global community to unite in combating the spread of Mpox. The stakes are high, and the need for a decisive, coordinated international response has never been more critical.
