Janice R. Andrews
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration on the monkeypox outbreak, indicating a high-risk threat to world health. This is a dramatic change of events. This hasty move is in response to an increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing menace that is affecting several African countries.
On the guidance of an Emergency Committee, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made this announcement, citing worrying evidence from WHO experts and impacted nations. The statement emphasizes how dangerous it would be for this outbreak to expand outside of Africa and endanger world health.
Dr. Tedros emphasized that the international community needs to move quickly to avert a catastrophic global health crisis and warned of the terrible implications of a new strain of mpox that is rapidly spreading in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread, and the escalating number of cases in neighboring countries are deeply concerning,” he said. “A coordinated international response is crucial to halt these outbreaks and save lives.”
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Regional Director of the WHO for Africa, stressed the need to intensify efforts immediately to contain the virus, which has already taken hundreds of lives. “With the virus spreading at an alarming rate, coordinated global action is essential to bring these outbreaks to an end,” she stated.
Things You Need to Know about Monkey Pox: Learn More
In order to facilitate access for lower-income nations, the WHO has started the Emergency Use Listing procedure for mpox vaccines. Additionally, the WHO is actively collaborating with international partners to guarantee the fair distribution of vaccinations and other essential resources. WHO has already committed $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies toward the $15 million urgent financing requirement, but more is expected to be needed to address this growing problem.
The designation of a PHEIC highlights how serious the situation is and how quickly international cooperation is required to stop a full-blown global health crisis.
