Urgent! WHO declares global emergency over new Mpox variant in Africa

A World Health Organization (WHO) raised global concern by declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant of the mpox viral disease detected in 13 African countries.

This is the second time in two years that the WHO has issued such an alert for the disease, following an initial outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which spread to neighboring nations.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference:

“Today, the emergency committee met and informed me that, in their view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.”

Tedros stressed the seriousness of the situation and the WHO’s commitment to coordinating a global response, stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

The new variant of mpox, known as clade Ib, has been identified in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda and appears to be more transmissible than the previous strain.

This global alert can facilitate research, funding and implementation of international public health measures as provided for by the International Health Regulations.

Os Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 17,000 suspected cases e 517 deaths on the mainland this year, representing a 160% increase compared to the same period last year.

The gravity of the situation led to a mobilization of resources, including an agreement with the European Union and Bavarian Nordic for the supply of 215,000 initial doses of vaccineswith plans to expand to two million doses by the end of the year and ten million by 2025.

Ngashi Ngongo, chief of staff of the regional health authority, highlighted the importance of effective communication, citing efforts to increase awareness through television, radio and social media, especially among young people, who account for the majority of reported cases in the DRC.

With information from Al Jazeera