NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Monkeypox (mpox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest alert level under international health law. The decision was made after an emergency meeting convened by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to address the increasing number of mpox outbreaks worldwide.
This declaration follows a similar move by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).According to WHO reports, over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been recorded this year, with clade 1b, a more severe strain of the virus, spreading rapidly in Africa.
In response to the situation, WHO has launched a $15 million regional response plan, initially funded with $1.45 million from the Contingency Fund. However, WHO officials indicate that additional funds are necessary, and vaccine manufacturers have been encouraged to increase production.
Global coordination efforts are underway, with WHO collaborating with national governments, the Africa CDC, and other partners to address the outbreak. Emergency vaccines are currently available, with efforts ongoing to ensure equitable distribution.
