The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed that the ongoing mpox outbreak remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), as defined under the International Health Regulations (IHR). WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued the announcement following the fourth convening of the IHR Emergency Committee, which continues to assess the global risks posed by the disease.
The Committee’s latest review highlighted a sustained increase in mpox cases in several regions, particularly in West Africa, and underscored the likelihood of continued undetected transmission in areas beyond the African continent. While acknowledging improvements in response capabilities in certain countries, the Committee determined that the situation continues to meet the criteria for a PHEIC due to its scale, complexity, and potential for cross-border spread.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has seen a resurgence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has extended into neighboring countries. The outbreak was initially declared a PHEIC by WHO on August 14, 2024. Since that designation, the Emergency Committee has met three additional times, each time concluding that the conditions for a global health emergency remain.
The Committee noted several persistent challenges that hinder containment and mitigation efforts. These include gaps in disease surveillance, insufficient diagnostic capabilities, and critical shortages in funding. The WHO emphasized that these factors complicate the coordination of effective public health interventions and make it difficult for affected countries to scale up their responses without international assistance.
Despite progress in some regions, the resurgence of mpox remains a complex public health issue requiring sustained attention and resources. The WHO has called on member states and international donors to maintain support for surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, and vaccine distribution, especially in high-incidence areas.
Dr. Tedros reiterated the importance of global solidarity in addressing the outbreak, emphasizing that a fragmented or underfunded response could undermine containment efforts and lead to further spread. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize transparency, cooperation, and the rapid exchange of information to better track and respond to the evolving situation.
As the outbreak continues to evolve, the WHO confirmed that it would maintain regular assessments through the IHR Emergency Committee and adjust its global response strategies accordingly. The organization also encouraged countries experiencing outbreaks to report data promptly and strengthen health systems to manage both the current situation and potential future surges. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.