The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant of the mpox viral disease in Africa. Cases have been found in 13 African countries, with the disease spreading rapidly. This is the second time in two years that the WHO has issued an alert for mpox. The outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has spread to neighbouring countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a coordinated global response to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.
The PHEIC declaration can accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures to contain the disease. It triggers emergency responses in countries worldwide under the International Health Regulations. Mpox is spread through close contact and can be fatal in rare cases. The new variant, clade Ib, appears to be spreading more easily than the original strain. African countries are stepping up their efforts to combat the outbreak, with more than 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths reported so far this year. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared an emergency for the continent and is working to secure doses of the mpox vaccine for Africa.
The Red Cross has also announced that it is scaling up preparedness measures across Africa, particularly in the eastern DRC where the outbreak originated. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed its deep concern about the spread of the virus and vowed to play a crucial role in containing it, even in hard-to-reach areas. In addition to traditional media channels, efforts are being made to reach young people through social media to ensure effective communication and awareness about the disease.
This latest outbreak of mpox is not the first time the disease has posed a global threat. In 2022, a different form of the virus spread globally, largely through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. The WHO declared a public health emergency at that time, which lasted for several months. The outbreak caused approximately 140 deaths out of around 90,000 cases. The previous alert prompted a significant response to contain the disease, and similar efforts are now underway to combat the current outbreak in Africa.
The global response to the current mpox outbreak is focused on preventing transmission, treating those infected, and saving lives. International cooperation and coordination are crucial to contain the disease and prevent further spread. Efforts are being made to improve access to the mpox vaccine in Africa and increase awareness through various media channels. The WHO, along with other health organizations and governments, are working to address the outbreak and mitigate its impact on communities in Africa and beyond. The declaration of a public health emergency underscores the severity of the situation and the need for a collective response to combat this infectious disease.
