WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak Ongoing Public Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated that the mpox outbreak remains a public health emergency of international concern, citing the rising number of cases, continued geographic spread, and operational challenges in managing the crisis. The WHO’s emergency committee issued this assessment on November 22, extending the emergency declaration first made in August.
Africa has been the hardest-hit region, with 19 countries reporting mpox cases since the start of the year. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to be the epicenter of the outbreak. Canada has also confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, linked to travel associated with the ongoing outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa.
To combat the spread, over 50,000 people have been vaccinated in high-risk areas, with plans to expand the vaccination program to the capital, Kinshasa, next week.
Last week, the WHO approved a second mpox vaccine for emergency use, following a review of its safety, quality, and efficacy.
As of now, Africa has reported over 46,000 suspected mpox cases and 1,081 deaths in the current outbreak.