GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the spread of mpox as a global public health emergency, marking the second time in two years that the virus has been categorised at this level.
The announcement comes as the death toll surpasses 500 in central Africa, raising concerns about the potential for the virus to spread beyond the continent.
Health authorities across Africa are urgently calling for increased access to vaccines, as the virus continues to proliferate. Mpox, which is transmitted through close contact, typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the skin. Although generally mild, the virus can be fatal in rare instances.
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A particularly virulent strain has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with rapid transmission reported in neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic. The number of cases has surged by 160 percent, and deaths have increased by 19 percent compared to the same period last year.
WHO raises alarm
With over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths recorded so far, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency on Tuesday.
The WHO’s subsequent declaration as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC) is the organisation’s highest alert level, designed to expedite global research, funding, and cooperation to contain the virus.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, underscored the urgency of a coordinated international response. “It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” he stated, warning of the “very worrying” potential for further spread both within Africa and beyond.
Vaccine shortage sparks urgency
The Africa CDC has highlighted a critical shortage of mpox vaccines, with only about 200,000 doses available across the continent, while more than 10 million doses are needed. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, assured that efforts are underway to increase vaccine supplies rapidly.
The United States has also expressed concern, closely monitoring the virus’s spread. The WHO first declared mpox a global emergency in 2022 after it spread to over 70 countries previously unaffected by the virus. During that outbreak, the mortality rate was below one percent.
This year, Africa CDC officials have reported that nearly 70 percent of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo are among children under 15, who also account for 85 percent of the deaths, underscoring the severity of the current situation.
