The World Health Organisation (WHO) has once more declared mpox a global public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), responding to a resurgence of the viral infection in Africa.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus made the announcement following a virtual consultation with independent experts.
“A coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” Ghebreyesus stated.
This declaration comes on the heels of a similar move by the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which reported a 160% increase in mpox cases on the continent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the global nature of the threat during a special press briefing.
“This is not just an African issue but a global threat requiring solidarity and collective action,” Kaseya said.
He added, “We’ve consulted with over 600 experts, partners, and stakeholders to inform our response.”
The outbreak has hit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly hard, with 13,791 cases and 450 deaths reported. Twelve other African countries have also been affected, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which were previously unaffected. In total, more than 17,000 suspected mpox cases and 517 deaths have been recorded across the continent.
Of particular concern is the spread of clade Ib, a deadlier strain of the virus, to four previously unaffected provinces in Africa. This development prompted WHO to reconvene its emergency mpox committee.
Nigeria has reported 24 cases with no deaths. In response to the outbreak, the Nigerian government has mandated that incoming passengers fill out a health declaration form.
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A spokesperson for the health ministry explained, “The form is an instituted measure to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and aid the control of disease outbreaks, thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians.”
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While most people fully recover, some cases can become severe. The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
This marks the second time WHO has declared mpox a PHEIC in two years. The previous declaration in July 2022 ended in May 2023 due to a global decline in infections.
However, the recent surge in African cases has prompted renewed concern and action from global health authorities.
