WHO declares monkeypox outbreak a global emergency

An emergency committee met Wednesday morning to advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether this outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" or PHEIC.

The PHEIC status is the highest alert level set by the WHO and aims to accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures, as well as cooperation to contain the outbreak. "Clearly, a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives," said Tedros.

Mpox can spread through close contact. It causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.

A nurse takes a test sample from a child suspected of having Mpox in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, on July 19, 2024. Photo: Reuters

The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as branch I. But a new variant, branch Ib, appears to spread more easily through casual close contact, including sexual contact.

The disease spread from Congo to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting WHO intervention.

Tedros said on Wednesday that the WHO had disbursed $1.5 million in contingency funds and planned to disburse more in the coming days. The WHO's response plan will require an initial $15 million, and the agency plans to seek funding from donors.

Earlier this week, Africa’s top public health agency declared a continent-wide state of emergency after warning that the viral infection is spreading at an alarming rate, with more than 17,000 suspected cases and over 500 deaths this year, mostly children in Congo.

Professor Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO's MPOX emergency committee, said all members agreed that the current surge in cases is an "unusual event," with record numbers of cases in Congo.

Vaccines and behavioral changes helped prevent the spread when another strain of mpox emerged globally, primarily among men who have sex with men, and the WHO declared a state of emergency in 2022.

The WHO stated that in Congo, the transmission routes need further study. The agency also urged countries with vaccine stocks to donate vaccines against the disease.

Hoang Anh (according to WHO, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/who-tuyen-bo-dich-benh-dau-mua-khi-la-truong-hop-khan-cap-ve-suc-khoe-cong-dong-toan-cau-post307731.html