The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent surge of mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration comes after an emergency meeting of independent experts who reviewed data from WHO and affected countries.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the rapid spread of a new mpox strain, its potential to spread further across Africa and beyond, and the need for a coordinated international response prompted the declaration.
The outbreak has already resulted in over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths in the DRC, with cases also reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. WHO is working to scale up its response, including vaccine access, surveillance, and preparedness activities, and has appealed for $15 million in funding to support these efforts.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
