WHO: Mpox virus can be halted and controlled

On August 23, World Health Organization Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that the new mpox virus can be halted and brought under control.

“This new mpox outbreak can be controlled and stopped,” Tedros declared during a briefing for WHO members, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He emphasized that achieving this goal requires a unified effort among international agencies, national and local partners, civil society, researchers, manufacturers, and member states.

Tedros reported that over 100,000 confirmed mpox cases have been documented globally since the outbreak began in 2022, with a notable surge in cases in Africa. “Transmission is now centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 90% of the reported cases in 2024. There have been more than 16,000 suspected cases and 575 deaths this year alone,” he said.

He also noted that last month, the Clade 1b strain was reported not only in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda but also in Thailand and Sweden, marking new areas of concern.

To address the outbreak, the WHO and its partners have developed a Global Mpox Virus Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. This plan includes comprehensive surveillance, and response strategies, advancing research and equitable access to medical countermeasures, minimizing zoonotic transmission, and empowering communities in outbreak prevention and control.

Tedros highlighted ongoing efforts with international, regional, national, and local partners to enhance preparedness and coordination. The WHO Regional Office for Africa, in collaboration with the Africa CDC based in Ethiopia, will lead the coordination of response efforts in the region where the need is most acute.