The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring African countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This urgent declaration follows a significant increase in cases and the emergence of a new, rapidly spreading strain of the virus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, made the announcement after an emergency meeting of global health experts. The committee reviewed data showing a surge in mpox cases, particularly in Eastern DRC, and the spread of the virus to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—countries that had not previously reported mpox cases.
“The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying,” Dr. Tedros stated. “Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox.”
Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but less severe, has been endemic in parts of Africa for decades. However, the recent emergence of Clade 1b, a new and more transmissible strain of the virus, has raised alarms. This strain, primarily spread through sexual contact, has already infected more than 15,600 people and caused 537 deaths in the DRC alone this year.
In response to the crisis, WHO is mobilizing resources to support affected countries with vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools. The organization has also initiated an Emergency Use Listing process to accelerate vaccine access, particularly for lower-income countries that lack regulatory approval for mpox vaccines.
The outbreak has also highlighted the critical need for stronger surveillance and response measures. WHO has released $1.45 million from its emergency fund and is appealing for an additional $15 million to support ongoing efforts to contain the virus.
“The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa, but for the entire globe.,” said Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the WHO Emergency Committee. “It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”
This declaration marks the second time in two years that WHO has issued a PHEIC for mpox. The first was in 2022, when the virus spread to over 70 countries outside Africa, causing a global outbreak. That emergency was declared over in May 2023 after a significant decline in cases. However, the resurgence of mpox in Africa, driven by the new Clade 1b strain, has once again raised global concern.
As the situation continues to evolve, WHO is urging all countries to strengthen their preparedness and response efforts, particularly in regions at risk of the virus spreading further. The international community is also being called upon to support affected countries through donations, technical assistance, and funding to combat the ongoing mpox outbreak.
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