Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has declared the recent surge in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). This decision follows a recommendation from an IHR Emergency Committee, which reviewed data from WHO and affected nations. The committee warned that mpox could spread further across Africa and potentially beyond.
Dr. Tedros will release the committee’s report and provide temporary recommendations for countries based on this advice. He emphasized the urgency, noting the rapid spread of a new mpox strain in eastern DRC and neighboring countries. He stressed the need for a coordinated international response to manage the outbreaks and save lives.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted ongoing efforts with local communities and governments to control the virus, and noted plans to enhance these efforts through international collaboration.
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Committee Chair, described the current mpox situation in Africa as a global emergency. He called for decisive action to prevent a repeat of the 2022 global outbreak that began in Africa.
This is the second PHEIC related to mpox in two years. The disease, caused by an Orthopoxvirus, was first identified in humans in DRC in 1970 and is endemic to central and west Africa. The previous PHEIC declared in July 2022 was lifted in May 2023 after a global decline in cases.
Mpox cases in the DRC have risen steadily, with 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone. The recent emergence of a new virus strain, clade 1b, which spreads mainly through sexual networks, has led to significant concerns.
In the past month, over 100 confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in neighboring countries previously free of mpox. The true number is likely higher due to untested cases.
WHO recommends two vaccines for mpox, which are approved by national and international regulatory bodies. Last week, the Director-General initiated the Emergency Use Listing process for these vaccines to improve access in lower-income countries. WHO is coordinating with partners to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
The WHO requires an initial $15 million for immediate response and has already released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Further funding appeals are underway to support the ongoing response efforts.
