The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the surge in mpox cases across Africa as a global public health emergency, marking it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision comes after a sharp rise in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported this year, surpassing last year’s total.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accepted the recommendation from an emergency committee of experts, emphasizing the need for global coordination to prevent further transmission, treat those infected, and save lives. The outbreak of the clade 1b subclade, a more severe and deadly strain than the previously prevalent clade 2b, has spread beyond the DRC to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
A PHEIC declaration is the WHO’s highest alarm, triggering international responses and potentially unlocking emergency funds for the affected regions. Despite this, experts warn that the DRC and surrounding countries face significant challenges due to limited resources. The Red Cross and other organizations are scaling up preparedness and response measures, particularly in the most affected areas.
