The World Health Organization declared that mpox is no longer a global public health emergency, citing sustained declines in cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected countries.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “The mpox Emergency Committee met yesterday and advised me that in its view, the situation no longer represents an international health emergency. I have accepted that advice.”
Despite this declaration, Ghebreyesus emphasized that the threat is not over, and the response will continue. “Of course, lifting the emergency declaration does not mean the threat is over, nor that our response will stop,” he said, adding that the situation remained a continental emergency in Africa.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) noted that mpox still constitutes a continental public health emergency, with new surges reported in several countries, including Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania. The Africa CDC emphasized the need for continued investment and solidarity to combat the outbreak.
Dimie Ogoina from the Emergency Committee stressed the importance of maintaining urgency in response efforts. “While we are removing the emergency, we need to keep the urgency,” he said.
“This is not a time for us to reduce the investments in terms of financial investment, partnership, solidarity, especially for most affected countries in the African continent.”
Mpox is a viral disease that can spread through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body. Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are at higher risk of complications.
The new form of mpox, clade Ib, continues to predominantly impact sub-Saharan Africa, with travel-related cases reported in Thailand, the United Kingdom and other countries.
The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox no longer a global health emergency reflects the progress made in controlling the outbreak.
However, the organization emphasizes that the threat persists, particularly in Africa, where the disease continues to affect communities. Sustained efforts are necessary to prevent resurgence and ensure that affected populations receive the support they need.
The Africa CDC’s declaration of mpox as a continental public health emergency underscores the ongoing challenges in the region.
New surges in cases have been reported in several countries, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and investment in public health infrastructure.
The importance of maintaining urgency in response efforts cannot be overstated, as Dimie Ogoina from the Emergency Committee emphasized.
Mpox can have significant public health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The disease’s ability to spread through close contact makes it a concern in densely populated areas and communities with limited access to healthcare. Continued efforts to raise awareness and promote preventive measures are essential in controlling the spread of the disease.
The response to the mpox outbreak highlights the importance of global cooperation and support in addressing public health emergencies.
The WHO’s role in coordinating international efforts and providing guidance has been crucial in controlling the outbreak.
Continued collaboration between countries, international organizations, and local communities is necessary to ensure that the response efforts are effective and sustainable.