The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration comes after an Emergency Committee of independent experts advised WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the potential for further spread across Africa and beyond.
The outbreak, caused by a new clade of the mpox virus, has already resulted in over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths in the DRC this year, with cases also reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO has expressed concern over the rapid spread of the virus, particularly through sexual networks, and the need for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreak.
This is the second time in two years that a PHEIC has been declared for mpox, with the previous declaration made in July 2022. The WHO is working with countries and partners to scale up response efforts, including vaccine access, surveillance, and preparedness activities, with an initial funding requirement of $15 million.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
