WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the recent mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). This decision follows recommendations from an IHR Emergency Committee, which reviewed data from WHO and affected nations.
Dr. Tedros highlighted concerns about a new mpox clade and its rapid spread in eastern DRC, as well as cases in neighboring countries. He emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to address these outbreaks and prevent further spread.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, noted that efforts are already underway with communities and governments to control mpox. The WHO is scaling up its response through international collaboration to help end the outbreaks.
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Committee Chair, described the current situation as a global emergency, stressing the importance of decisive action to prevent a repeat of past global outbreaks.
This marks the second PHEIC related to mpox in two years. Mpox, caused by an Orthopoxvirus, was first detected in humans in the DRC in 1970 and is endemic to central and west Africa. The previous PHEIC was declared in July 2022 due to a global outbreak that began in 2022 and ended in May 2023 after a decline in cases.
In recent months, the emergence and spread of a new mpox strain, clade 1b, primarily through sexual networks, has been particularly alarming. Over 100 confirmed cases of this strain have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, countries that had not previously reported mpox. The actual number of cases is believed to be higher due to under-testing.
The WHO has recommended two mpox vaccines, approved by national authorities and international bodies. An Emergency Use Listing process has been initiated to accelerate vaccine access in lower-income countries, supported by Gavi and UNICEF.
To support the response, WHO requires an immediate $15 million for surveillance and preparedness. The organization has released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies and may release additional funds as needed. WHO appeals for donor support to fully address the mpox emergency.