The WHO (World Health Organization) has declared that mpox will continued to be classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to ongoing increase in mpox cases. This is following advice from the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee due to the growth of case numbers, continued spread across numerous different regions, and the constraints in establishing effective operational responses.
The WHO Emergency Committee reiterated the high-alert status that was initially declared in August, as reported by The Express Tribune on Friday. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts among nations and partners to manage the outbreak effectively. A detailed report from the Emergency Committee meeting, including temporary recommendations for IHR States Parties, will be released next week.
Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted through X by stating, “The Emergency Committee for #mpox met today (Friday) and advised me that the upsurge of mpox continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern — I have accepted that advice. My decision is based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field, and the need to mount and sustain a cohesive response across countries and partners. I call on the affected countries to scale up their responses and for solidarity from the international community to help us end the outbreaks.”
What is Mpox?
Monkeypox is shortly known as Mpox, which is an infectious disease which caused by monkeypox virus, which is related to small pox. It can cause painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
The Monkeypox can spread from the contact of infected person, animals, materials. Means it spread from one person to another or animals who come contact through touch, talking etc. of the infected ones.
“The upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighbouring countries was first declared a public health emergency of international concern by the Director-General on 14 August 2024,” WHO Stated.
The WHO has urgently called for global cooperation to address the outbreak and prevent any further escalation.
