WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak in Africa a Public Health Emergency
Urgent Action Needed to Contain the Spread
International Effort Required
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made the announcement on Wednesday, July 25, 2023, after a meeting of the organization's Emergency Committee.
The PHEIC declaration is the highest level of alert that the WHO can issue. It is intended to galvanize international action to contain the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact.
Situation in Africa
The mpox outbreak in Africa has been spreading rapidly in recent months, with cases reported in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Ghana.
The virus is spread through close contact with infected individuals or animals, and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The WHO is concerned that the outbreak could have a significant impact on the health systems in affected countries, as well as on the social and economic well-being of the population.
International Response
The WHO is calling for a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak and prevent its further spread.
This includes increasing surveillance and case detection, providing medical care to infected individuals, and implementing public health measures to prevent transmission.
The WHO is also working with partners to develop and distribute vaccines and treatments for mpox.
Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The PHEIC declaration is a recognition of the urgent need for international action to prevent the further spread of mpox.
Under the International Health Regulations, a PHEIC can only be declared if the following criteria are met:
- The event is an extraordinary event
- The event constitutes a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease
- The event requires a coordinated international response
The PHEIC declaration for mpox is the second such declaration in two years. In 2020, the WHO declared a PHEIC for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of the PHEIC Declaration
The PHEIC declaration is expected to have a significant impact on the global response to the mpox outbreak.
It will help to raise awareness of the disease and its potential impact, and will galvanize international action to contain the spread of the virus.
The WHO is calling on all countries to take the necessary measures to prevent and control the spread of mpox, and to ensure that the affected populations have access to the care and support they need.
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