WHO chief declares mpox global health crisis

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the surge of mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005).

This decision followed the recommendation of an IHR Emergency Committee, composed of independent experts, who reviewed data from WHO and affected nations, Caliber.Az reports citing the message posted on the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Committee advised Dr. Tedros that the mpox outbreak poses a significant risk of spreading further within Africa and potentially beyond the continent. Following this advice, the Director-General will publish the Committee’s report and issue temporary recommendations to affected countries.

In his statement, Dr. Tedros expressed deep concern over the emergence of a new mpox clade, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the detection of cases in neighboring countries. He emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to contain these outbreaks and protect lives.

WHO estimates an immediate funding requirement of $15 million to support efforts in surveillance, preparedness, and response, with a needs assessment currently underway across the organization.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads easily between people and from infected animals. Transmission occurs through close contact, such as touching, as well as through contaminated materials like bedding, clothing, and needles. Symptoms include fever, a painful rash, headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.