Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has convened an Emergency Committee to assess the mpox outbreak following its spread beyond the DRC, where over 14,000 cases have been reported this year. Neighboring countries are also experiencing new cases with a more severe clade of the virus. WHO is implementing a $15 million response plan and facilitating vaccine access to mitigate the outbreak.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has convened an urgent meeting regarding the mpox virus, which has spread beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recognizing the potential for further international transmission, he addressed an Emergency Committee to assess whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, marking the highest level of alert the organization can issue. In his statement in Geneva, Dr. Tedros indicated that the committee will consist of independent experts representing a variety of relevant fields and will convene promptly. Mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, is a viral disease endemic to Central and West Africa, which can spread through contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Symptoms of this disease generally include a skin rash or lesions, fever, headaches, muscle and back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Since its global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic two years prior, mpox had been declared a public health emergency in July 2022 but saw containment by May of the following year. However, recent reports highlighted a significant outbreak in the DRC, where over 14,000 cases and 511 fatalities have been documented since the year’s onset. The current case numbers for the first half of 2023 have already equaled the total reported for the entire previous year. Dr. Tedros also addressed outbreaks in neighboring countries; approximately 50 confirmed and probable cases have been identified in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda within the past month, marking a concerning development for these regions. The outbreaks are associated with various viral clades, with clade 1b noted for causing more severe disease than clade 2, which was behind the global outbreak starting in 2022. While clade 1b has been confirmed in neighboring countries, the situation in Burundi remains under investigation. In response to this escalating crisis, WHO is collaborating with regional governments and various partners to pinpoint and mitigate the factors contributing to these outbreaks. Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for a comprehensive community-centered strategy to effectively halt transmission. To support these efforts, WHO has allocated $15 million for a regional response plan aimed at enhancing surveillance and preparedness, alongside an immediate release of $1 million from an emergency fund to bolster the ongoing response. Additionally, two mpox vaccines have received approval from national regulatory authorities listed by WHO, and measures have been initiated to expedite their availability, particularly in low-income countries yet to obtain national regulatory approval. This Emergency Use Listing process will enable organizations such as Gavi and UNICEF to procure vaccine doses for distribution. Overall, the WHO is intensifying its commitment to combat the mpox outbreak through expert collaboration, financial support, and vaccine access initiatives.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection endemic to specific regions within Central and West Africa. Its transmission pathways include direct contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated surfaces. The disease manifests with symptoms such as a rash or lesions, fever, and muscle discomfort. The recent resurgence in cases, particularly noted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has drawn international attention, prompting the WHO to declare it a public health emergency at various stages. The DRC has particularly faced challenging outbreaks, leading to increased scrutiny of the disease’s capacity for wider transmission.
In conclusion, the emergence of mpox cases beyond the DRC has necessitated an urgent response from the WHO, with an emergency meeting to evaluate the situation and its implications for global health. The organization’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, funding regional responses, and expediting vaccine access is crucial in managing and resolving the ongoing outbreaks effectively.
Original Source: news.un.org
