ECNETNews – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared a rise in mpox cases as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This decision follows recommendations from members during Wednesday’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee meeting.
A PHEIC represents the highest level of concern recognized in international health law.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, convened the meeting to assess whether the mpox outbreaks, previously known as monkeypox, warrant international attention.
On Tuesday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labeled the situation a public health emergency.
“The Emergency Committee’s recommendations align with those of the Africa CDC, which recently declared a public health emergency of regional security,” Tedros stated.
Clades and Cases
Mpox has spread across numerous African nations, particularly affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO chief expressed concern about the potential for further transmission in Africa.
“Given the ongoing outbreaks of various mpox clades in Africa, a coordinated international response is crucial to curb these spread and save lives,” Tedros emphasized.
This year has already seen over 14,000 reported cases and 524 fatalities, marking a significant rise from previous years.
Tedros pointed out that different clades are responsible for the ongoing outbreaks. At the recent meeting, he noted the transmission of clade 1b in the DRC, primarily through sexual networks. This clade is recognized as more lethal and easily transmissible.
While clade 1 has been present in the DRC for years, clade 2 sparked the global outbreak in 2022, which was declared an international public health emergency.
In the past month alone, approximately 90 cases of clade 1b have emerged in neighboring countries that previously reported no mpox cases.
“To halt these outbreaks, a tailored and comprehensive approach is essential, with communities at the forefront,” Tedros stated.
Addressing Outbreak Drivers
The WHO chief revealed that the agency is collaborating with the governments of affected nations, the Africa CDC, and other partners to better understand and tackle the causes of these outbreaks.
“We are providing equipment to analyze blood samples and confirm mpox cases, as well as supporting labs with viral sequencing,” he explained.
He also highlighted efforts to enhance case investigation, contact tracing, and training for healthcare workers.
WHO Regional Response
“WHO has formulated a regional response plan requiring an initial $15 million to bolster surveillance, preparedness, and response initiatives,” Tedros announced.
Funding for this response includes $1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, with additional funds expected to be released shortly.
Emergency Vaccines
Currently, two WHO-recommended vaccines are being utilized to address the mpox outbreak.
Last week, Tedros invited manufacturers to express interest in producing mpox vaccines to enhance access for lower-income countries that have not yet approved them nationally.
This initiative will enable partners to collect vaccines for distribution.
“We are actively working with partners to ensure equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and essential supplies,” Tedros affirmed.
WHO Recommendations
In August, the WHO issued standing recommendations under the IHR to monitor mpox cases. Originally set to expire on August 20, 2024, these recommendations will be extended for an additional year to help countries combat the ongoing risk of mpox.
Recommendations include strengthening community protection, adapting public health measures to local needs, and providing resources for clinical care.
Tedros reiterated WHO’s commitment in the coming days and weeks to coordinate a global response, collaborate closely with affected nations, and leverage on-ground presence to prevent the spread of mpox, treat those affected, and ultimately save lives.
