WHO declares international emergency due to resurgence of monkeypox in Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared monkeypox, known as mpox, a public health emergency of international concern. This decision was made following an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, during which the concerning rise in cases in Africa was assessed. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced at a press conference that, according to the Emergency Committee, the current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international importance.

This resurgence of mpox has raised considerable alarm due to its rapid spread and the emergence of a new strain that has shown more severe behavior than previous ones. So far this year, over 15,000 infections have been reported on the African continent, along with 461 deaths, prompting the WHO to issue an urgent call to action. The organization has emphasized the need for a coordinated and effective response to address this health crisis.

Dr. Tedros stressed that the international response is "essential" to stop the outbreaks, urging affected countries to work closely with the WHO. This approach aims not only to prevent the transmission of the virus but also to ensure proper treatment for those infected and save lives. The WHO has announced its intention to coordinate the global response in the coming weeks, leveraging its presence on the ground to tackle this emergency.

The new strain of mpox has been detected in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and has spread to neighboring countries that had previously not reported any cases of the disease. This has raised growing concerns about the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond, leading the WHO to declare a public health emergency across the continent.

The WHO has developed a response plan to address this crisis, which requires an initial investment of $15 million. To this end, it has released $1.45 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, and more resources are expected to be allocated in the coming days. However, Dr. Tedros called on the international community and donors to financially contribute to this effort, highlighting the need for a global commitment to combat this health threat.

The situation is becoming more critical considering that mpox, although historically less contagious than other viral diseases, is showing an alarming pattern of spread. Health authorities in several African countries have echoed the urgency for preventive and control measures to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger crisis.

In the context of this emergency, it is crucial to implement awareness and education campaigns about the disease, its symptoms, and the measures that can be taken to prevent its transmission. Collaboration among governments, health organizations, and local communities will be fundamental to contain the outbreak and protect the most vulnerable populations.

As the WHO prepares to coordinate its response, it is important for the international community to maintain its focus on Africa, where the impact of this disease could widen if decisive and swift actions are not taken. Previous experience with other outbreaks of infectious diseases has shown that speed in response is key to mitigating the effects of a health emergency.

The declaration of an international public health emergency by the WHO underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for coordinated action. Public health knows no borders, and the fight against mpox will require a joint effort to ensure that resources and support reach the most affected areas, thereby safeguarding the health of millions of people at risk.