Geneva, August 14, 2024 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again sounded the alarm on the global health stage by declaring the ongoing mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak in Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision marks the second time the WHO has invoked its highest level of alert for mpox, following a similar declaration in July 2022, which was later rescinded in May 2023.

The resurgence of mpox, particularly in Central and West Africa, has seen an alarming increase in cases, with over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths reported across 13 countries this year. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been hit the hardest, reporting 96% of the confirmed cases in recent weeks. This outbreak's severity has prompted the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to also declare it a public health emergency of continental concern, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The WHO's Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the potential for further spread beyond Africa, stating, "This is something that should concern us all." The declaration aims to accelerate international cooperation in terms of funding, vaccine distribution, and research into the new clade Ib of the virus, which has shown increased transmissibility.

Despite the previous global health emergency declaration being lifted, the WHO's action today underscores the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases. The organization has noted that while no cases of the new clade have been identified in the United States, vigilance and support for affected regions are crucial. The U.S. has responded by offering funding, assistance, and vaccines to WHO and the DRC.

The declaration comes amidst a backdrop of social media reactions, where users express a mix of concern and skepticism, with some questioning the timing and implications of another global health emergency. However, health officials are clear: the declaration is not just a call for action but a plea for global solidarity to contain the spread of mpox.

This move by the WHO is expected to spur countries into action, not only in Africa but globally, to ensure that measures like vaccine distribution are equitable and that research into the virus's new strain is accelerated. The WHO's decision also serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases and the need for robust global health security measures.