- WHO declares monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency due to rapid spread in Africa.
- New clade of monkeypox identified in DRC, with cases rising in neighboring countries.
- WHO accelerates vaccine distribution and appeals for $15 million for response efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency in response to the escalating monkeypox outbreak, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and surrounding African nations.
The emergence of a new clade of monkeypox, which is spreading swiftly across eastern DRC and into countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, has prompted the WHO to take urgent action.
WHO Sounds Alarm on Monkeypox as Global Health Emergency
In addition to the emergency declaration, the WHO has recommended two vaccines for monkeypox and has fast-tracked their Emergency Use Listing to ensure swift distribution, especially in low-income regions. With over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported so far this year, the organization has released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies but warns that an additional $15 million is urgently needed to bolster surveillance and response measures.
This newly identified clade, known as clade 1b, has shown an alarming ability to spread, particularly through sexual networks. Over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases have already been reported in countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, regions that previously had no history of monkeypox.
In response to the escalating situation, the WHO has recommended two vaccines and initiated an Emergency Use Listing to expedite their availability, particularly in lower-income countries where access to vaccines can be limited. The organization has also released initial funding from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies and is appealing to global donors for an additional $15 million to support ongoing surveillance and response efforts.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of international coordination in addressing the outbreak. Efforts are already underway to work closely with affected communities and governments to halt the spread of the virus. The WHO’s focus is not only on immediate containment but also on preventing the outbreak from escalating into a global crisis similar to the one seen in 2022, when a different strain of monkeypox spread worldwide.
The WHO’s declaration of a global health emergency for the monkeypox outbreak highlights the need for swift international action to contain the spread of the virus and prevent it from becoming a larger global threat. Immediate efforts, including vaccine distribution and funding for response initiatives, are critical in mitigating the impact of this growing health crisis.
“Given the ongoing outbreaks of various clades in Africa, a coordinated international effort is crucial to combat these outbreaks and protect lives.” – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
