The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, an international public health emergency due to its alarming spread across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The declaration comes as cases have surged by 160% this year, with over 15,000 infections and 461 deaths reported by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's Director-General, emphasized that the situation is concerning, with multiple clades of the virus presenting different modes of transmission and levels of risk. The more dangerous clade I, responsible for increasing fatalities, has particularly affected children, with 70% of cases occurring in those under 15 years old.
The WHO's emergency declaration allows for expedited access to funding and resources to combat the outbreak, including vaccination efforts. Experts estimate that 10 million doses will be needed in Africa, but only a fraction is currently available. The focus on vaccination, especially among high-risk groups, is crucial to controlling the spread of mpox.
