WHO Considers Re-declaring Health Emergency Over Mpox Spread

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently convened experts to consider whether to re-declare the highest level of health emergency as Mpox (MPOX, formerly known as monkeypox) is resurging, primarily in Africa.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the Associated Press, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on the 7th (local time) at a briefing held at the United Nations Geneva office that he would convene the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee as soon as possible regarding the spread of Mpox.

The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee is a group of experts that determines whether to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest level of health alert for specific diseases, and advises the Director-General. If a PHEIC is declared, WHO can promote research, funding, and international health measures to control the disease. Mpox was declared a PHEIC in October 2022 but was lifted in May last year, after 10 months.

According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 10 African countries have confirmed Mpox cases this year. In particular, the Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for 96% of Mpox deaths. Mpox infection cases increased by 160% and deaths by 19% compared to the previous year. Last week, the first Mpox cases were reported in Burundi and Rwanda. Cases have also been confirmed in Kenya and the Central African Republic. WHO reported that unlike before, when Mpox mainly affected adult men with homosexual tendencies, children now constitute the majority of patients in the recent African outbreak.

The Associated Press pointed out, "While Western countries used vaccines and treatments to contain the Mpox outbreak in 2022, there are almost no vaccines or treatments available in Africa." Mpox often presents with vesicular rash symptoms and may be accompanied by acute fever, headache, and muscle pain.

Additionally, on the same day, WHO announced that it would send over one million vaccines to the Gaza Strip over several weeks following the recent detection of the poliovirus, known for causing polio, amid ongoing clashes between the Israeli military and the Palestinian armed group Hamas. The Gaza Strip Ministry of Health had reported last month that poliovirus was detected in wastewater samples from areas including Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.