The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the growing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
This urgent decision was announced by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, following the advice of an Emergency Committee of independent experts.
The declaration highlights the rapid spread of a new mpox strain, particularly in eastern DRC, and its recent detection in neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This strain, known as clade 1b, is raising alarm due to its transmission mainly through sexual networks, posing a heightened risk of further international spread.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for a coordinated global response, noting, “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying.” He urged countries to take immediate action to stop the outbreaks and save lives.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, confirmed that significant efforts are already underway in collaboration with communities and governments.
“With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries in bringing the outbreaks to an end,” she said.
This marks the second PHEIC declaration for mpox in two years. Previously, a global outbreak was declared in July 2022, driven by sexual transmission in non-endemic countries. That emergency was lifted in May 2023 after a sustained decline in cases.
However, the situation in the DRC remains dire, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone. The current outbreak has spread beyond the DRC’s borders, with more than 100 confirmed cases reported in four neighboring countries. Experts believe the actual number of cases is likely higher.
The WHO has triggered the process for Emergency Use Listing of mpox vaccines to accelerate access for lower-income countries. The organization is also working with vaccine manufacturers and partners like Gavi and UNICEF to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
An immediate funding requirement of $15 million has been identified to support surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. WHO has already released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies but anticipates needing more in the coming days.
The international community is urged to provide the necessary funding to address this urgent public health crisis.
