WHO declares monkeypox a global public health emergency

In a significant move reflecting the gravity of the situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global public health emergency. This declaration, made on August 14, 2024, underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the spread of this viral illness, which has seen a resurgence in recent months.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that has historically been confined to Central and West Africa. However, recent developments indicate that the virus is spreading beyond its traditional boundaries, with cases now reported in 13 African countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been particularly hard-hit, accounting for over 96% of the confirmed cases and fatalities this year. The WHO's decision to classify the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) highlights the potential for the virus to spread globally, necessitating a coordinated response.

The emergence of a new, more lethal variant of the virus, known as clade Ib, has raised alarms among health officials. This variant, previously limited to the DRC, has now been detected in several African provinces that had not reported cases before. The WHO's emergency committee, led by infectious disease expert Dr. Dimie Ogoina, has emphasized that the current situation may be just "the tip of the iceberg," pointing to weaknesses in the surveillance systems that could mean many cases are going undetected.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, has called for immediate international action, stating that the risk of further transmission outside of Africa is a significant concern. "This is an issue that should alarm us all," he said, urging countries to enhance their surveillance and response efforts.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) had already declared the outbreak a public health emergency earlier this week. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC's director general, stressed the need for a proactive and aggressive approach to combat the virus, highlighting that the continent must not be left to face this crisis alone, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of the outbreak is particularly severe among children, with approximately 70% of cases in the DRC affecting those under 18. Experts attribute this to the discontinuation of the smallpox vaccine, which previously offered some protection against mpox, and to widespread malnutrition, which weakens the immune response.

In response to the crisis, international efforts are being mobilized to provide assistance. The United States has pledged nearly $424 million to aid the DRC, including $10 million specifically for mpox response efforts. Additionally, countries such as Japan and members of the European Union are collaborating on vaccine donations. However, the demand for vaccines far exceeds the available supply, with Africa CDC warning that at least 10 million doses are needed, compared to the 200,000 doses currently available.

The WHO has also approved the Emergency Use Listing process for mpox vaccines and is working on a regional response strategy. This plan requires significant funding to be effective, with WHO representatives advocating for international collaboration to secure the necessary resources.

The declaration of mpox as a global health emergency serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of global health threats. It calls for a unified response to prevent the virus from becoming entrenched in new regions and to protect vulnerable populations worldwide. As the situation unfolds, the global community's ability to respond effectively will be crucial in curbing the spread of mpox and mitigating its impact.