Mpox Surge Triggers Global Alarm
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global public health emergency. The decision, announced on Wednesday, follows a significant rise in cases across the continent, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the virus has been rapidly spreading.
Expert Committee’s Recommendation
WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, convened an emergency meeting of health experts to assess the situation. After thorough deliberation, the committee advised that the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the highest alert level in WHO’s system. Dr. Tedros accepted this recommendation, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to prevent further spread.
Rising Concerns in Africa
The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, was first identified in humans in 1970 in the DRC. The current outbreak has seen over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in the DRC alone this year, surpassing last year’s totals. The virus has also spread to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which have reported cases of the more deadly clade 1b strain.
Impact of PHEIC Status
Declaring a PHEIC mobilizes international resources and mandates a coordinated global response. This status has been invoked only seven times since 2009, including for the H1N1 swine flu, Ebola, Zika virus, and most recently, Covid-19. The declaration compels countries to activate emergency protocols under the International Health Regulations.
Challenges in Containment
Despite the PHEIC status, experts warn that containing the outbreak will be challenging, particularly in resource-poor regions like the DRC. Marion Koopmans, Director of the Pandemic and Disaster Management Centre at Erasmus University, stressed the need for investment in diagnostic tools, public health responses, and vaccination efforts. The Red Cross has already begun scaling up preparedness measures across Africa, focusing on the most affected regions.
Global Community’s Response
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) expressed deep concern over the outbreak’s rapid spread. With its extensive network, the IFRC is prepared to play a crucial role in curbing the virus, especially in hard-to-reach areas where the need is greatest. WHO’s commitment to coordinating the global response will be vital in the coming days and weeks.
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