WHO's Urgent Response to Mpox: Africa's Health Crisis Goes Global

The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared an outbreak of mpox a "global public health emergency" after the virus resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo and rapidly spread to nearby countries. This declaration marks the second time in two years that mpox has been elevated to this level of concern, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Understanding the Mpox Outbreak:

Mpox, a viral infection, can spread through close contact and generally presents with flu-like symptoms and distinctive pus-filled lesions on the skin. Although usually mild, the infection can be fatal in rare instances. The current outbreak in Congo involves an endemic strain, known as clade I, but the emergence of a new variant, clade Ib, is raising alarm. This new variant appears to be more contagious, spreading more readily through close interactions, including sexual contact.

The Significance of a PHEIC Declaration:

When the WHO labels a disease outbreak as a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC), it signals the highest level of alert within the global health community. This designation is not made lightly; it is intended to trigger a coordinated international response. The declaration is designed to mobilize resources, accelerate research and development, and enhance public health measures and cooperation to curb the spread of the disease.

The Spread of Mpox in Africa:

The mpox outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has now spread to several neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO’s swift action reflects the urgency of the situation. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a coordinated international effort, stating, "It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives."

Escalating Cases Across the Continent:

Africa's top public health body recently declared an mpox emergency on the continent due to the virus's rapid spread. Over 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths have been reported this year, representing a staggering 160% increase in cases compared to the same period last year. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a total of 13 countries have documented cases, underlining the widespread impact of the outbreak.

Previous Global Spread:

In 2022, a different form of the mpox virus, clade IIb, spread globally, primarily through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. This led the WHO to declare a public health emergency, which was lifted 10 months later after significant efforts to contain the virus.

The resurgence of mpox in Africa and its rapid spread to neighboring countries has prompted the WHO to declare a global health emergency. The international community must act swiftly and collaboratively to prevent further escalation, protect public health, and ultimately save lives.