WHO Declares Mpox a Public Health Emergency as Cases Surge in Africa, Urging Action

In a significant escalation of concern regarding mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency, marking the second such declaration in just two years. This decision comes amid alarming surges in cases across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak. The declaration follows a similar announcement from the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighting an urgent need for a coordinated international response to combat the rising tide of infections. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, "It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives." The agency has called upon vaccine manufacturers to expedite emergency use approvals, aiming to facilitate rapid delivery of essential vaccines. Data from the Africa CDC illustrates the severity of the outbreak, with reported cases reaching 2,863 and fatalities at 517 this year alone. The DRC stands out with an alarming estimate of approximately 15,000 cases identified, more than the total number of cases recorded in 2023. The nation has been severely impacted, lacking access to mpox vaccine supplies, which exacerbates the crisis in an already fragile healthcare system. The WHO's latest report indicates that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher due to limited testing capabilities, especially in rural areas where healthcare resources are scarce. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director-general of the Africa CDC, underscored the necessity for global solidarity and action, stating, "The battle against mpox demands a global response. We need your support, expertise, and solidarity." Experts warn that the current outbreak of mpox may pose a greater threat than the previous health emergency from July 2022 to May 2023. Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of Caprisa, noted the difference in the current scenario, citing a higher burden of illness and an increase in cases. The 2022-23 outbreak was notable for its geographic spread, with cases reported in North America and Western Europe, marking a shift in the dynamics of the disease, which has historically been confined to endemic regions in Africa. Compounding the challenges faced by the DRC is the strain on its healthcare infrastructure, already vulnerable from past outbreaks of Ebola and COVID-19. Save the Children has highlighted the situation in the DRC, reporting overcrowded hospitals and a dire shortage of medical supplies and personnel. In response to the growing demand for vaccines, Bavarian Nordic, a Danish pharmaceutical company, announced receiving an order for over 175,000 doses from the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The company has also committed to donating an additional 40,000 doses. However, the African CDC has indicated that a much larger stockpile is necessary—2 million doses this year and a total of 10 million—to effectively control the ongoing outbreak. As the world grapples with this emerging crisis, the call for a unified and swift response has never been clearer. The situation demands not only immediate action but also long-term strategies to enhance disease surveillance, vaccine distribution, and healthcare preparedness, particularly in vulnerable regions. The global community must remain vigilant and proactive in combating the threats posed by zoonotic diseases like mpox to protect lives and safeguard public health.