WHO Declares Mpox A Global Public Health Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This is reportedly the highest level of alarm under international health law. The move comes following an upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa. Reports indicate that over 17,000 suspected mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported on the African continent so far in 2024. 

"The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying," said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He also said that a coordinated international response is needed to stop the outbreaks and save lives. Notably, this PHEIC determination is the second in two years relating to mpox. 

“Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti in a statement. According to a CNN report, Mpox is a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals. It can spread through close contact, and the symptoms include fever, a painful rash, headache, muscle and back pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. It was originally named "monkeypox." In 2022, WHO recommended updating the name to "mpox.”