WHO speaks out on Mpox spread across Africa
The director general of the World health organization,Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of a deadlier strain of monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, across multiple African countries.
The outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), local governments, and various partners to ramp up their response efforts, has raised alarm on the continent and beyond.
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The director general acknowledged the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the disease but emphasized that more funding and international support are urgently needed to ensure a comprehensive response.
"The situation is becoming increasingly dire," the Secretary-General stated, "and without additional resources, we risk the outbreak spiraling further out of control."
This new strain of mpox is noted to be more virulent and has led to a significant rise in cases across several African countries.
In response, health authorities have been scaling up interventions to interrupt disease transmission, including the deployment of vaccines, public health campaigns, and strengthening of health systems.
However, despite these efforts, the director general underscored the necessity of a coordinated global response, warning that the current resources may not be sufficient to contain the spread.
"This is not just a regional issue; it has the potential to become a global health crisis if we do not act swiftly and decisively."
In light of the escalating situation, the director general is considering convening an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee.
This committee, composed of experts in global health and infectious diseases, would advise on whether the outbreak of mpox should be declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Such a declaration would mobilize additional resources and support, enabling a more robust international response to the outbreak.
The Secretary-General’s remarks have already begun to galvanize international attention, with calls for increased funding and support from the global community.
The WHO and Africa CDC continue to lead efforts on the ground, working closely with affected countries to manage the outbreak.
