The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has declared the upsurge of monkeypox (mpox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several countries in Africa as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). This determination was made based on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts who reviewed data presented by WHO and affected countries.
Dr. Tedros’s declaration came after the Committee informed him that the upsurge of mpox poses a significant risk of spreading further across countries in Africa and potentially outside the continent. The Director-General will share the Committee’s report and issue temporary recommendations to countries based on their advice.
In his statement, Dr. Tedros expressed concern over the emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in neighbouring countries. He emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to stop these outbreaks and save lives. This PHEIC declaration marks the second in two years related to mpox, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat mpox in collaboration with communities and governments. With the virus spreading rapidly, international action is being scaled up to support countries in ending the outbreaks. Committee Chair, Professor Dimie Ogoina, stressed the global emergency posed by the current upsurge of mpox and the need for decisive action to prevent history from repeating itself.
Mpox, caused by an Orthopoxvirus, was first detected in humans in 1970 in the DRC and is considered endemic to central and west African countries. The recent increase in reported cases, particularly the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain (clade 1b), has raised alarm. Over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox.
To address the situation, WHO recommends two vaccines for mpox, approved by national regulatory authorities and endorsed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization. The Director-General has initiated the process for Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines to accelerate access for lower-income countries. WHO is working with countries and manufacturers on potential vaccine donations and coordinating efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
An immediate funding requirement of US$15 million is anticipated to support surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. WHO has released US$1.45 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies and appeals to donors to fund the full extent of the mpox response. The Organization is conducting a needs assessment to determine the necessary resources for addressing the outbreak.
In conclusion, the declaration of a PHEIC for mpox underscores the critical need for international cooperation and swift action to contain the spread of the virus and protect public health. With concerted efforts and adequate resources, it is possible to mitigate the impact of the current upsurge and prevent further escalation of the outbreak.
