The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to the recent surge in monkeypox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several other African nations. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the decision after receiving guidance from an Emergency Committee of independent experts who reviewed the latest data.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing the rapid spread of a new strain of monkeypox in eastern DRC and its emergence in neighboring countries as major concerns. He stated, “The appearance of a new clade of monkeypox and its swift spread are alarming. Given the ongoing outbreaks of various clades in Africa, a coordinated international effort is crucial to combat these outbreaks and protect lives.”
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) reflects the potential for the virus to spread further within Africa and potentially beyond. The WHO will issue temporary recommendations based on the Committee’s advice to guide countries in their response.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that significant efforts are already underway in collaboration with local communities and governments. “With the virus spreading, we’re ramping up international coordination to help countries end these outbreaks,” she said.
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the Committee, described the situation as a global emergency. “Mpox, which originated in Africa and led to a global outbreak in 2022, must be addressed decisively to prevent a repeat of past mistakes,” he warned.
This marks the second PHEIC related to monkeypox in two years. Initially detected in humans in 1970, the disease is endemic to central and west Africa. The first PHEIC was declared in July 2022 in response to a rapid global spread via sexual transmission, and it was lifted in May 2023 following a global decline in cases.
Recent reports show an alarming increase in cases, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths recorded so far this year. The emergence of clade 1b, which appears to spread primarily through sexual networks, has been particularly concerning. Over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of this strain have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, countries that had not previously reported monkeypox.
The WHO recommends two vaccines for monkeypox, which are approved by various national regulatory authorities. In response to the current situation, the WHO has initiated Emergency Use Listing for these vaccines to expedite access, especially for lower-income countries. The organization is also working with partners to facilitate vaccine distribution and anticipates an immediate funding need of $15 million for surveillance and response efforts.
To support the response, the WHO has already released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies and may require additional funding. The organization appeals to donors to meet the full funding requirements for the ongoing monkeypox response.
