The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global public health emergency for the second time since 2022, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries. This declaration enables more funding and research to combat the disease.
On Wednesday, an emergency committee advised WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to classify the outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), the highest level of alert. PHEIC status accelerates research, funding, and international cooperation to contain the disease.
“A coordinated international response is crucial to stopping these outbreaks and saving lives,” Tedros said.
Monkeypox (mpox) spreads through close contact, including kissing and sex, and is usually mild but can be fatal in rare cases. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions.
Protection measures include vaccination for high-risk individuals, avoiding contact with infected people, frequent handwashing, and wearing face masks in crowded indoor spaces.
The DR Congo outbreak began with an endemic strain (clade I) but has evolved into a more easily transmissible variant (clade Ib) through routine close contact, including sexual contact. This variant has spread to neighbouring countries, prompting WHO action.
Tedros expressed concern about the rapid spread of the new clade, its detection in previously unaffected countries, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond. In response, WHO has released $1.5 million in contingency funds, with more to follow.
In Uganda, two mpox cases were reported in the Kasese district earlier this month, triggering a rapid response. Although no new cases have been registered, the health ministry urges continued vigilance.
