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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has announced that the recent surge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries have been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005).
This declaration follows the recommendations of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts, who reviewed data from WHO and affected nations earlier today. The Committee advised that the mpox outbreak poses a significant risk of further spread across Africa and potentially beyond.
Dr. Tedros will publish the Committee’s report and issue temporary recommendations for countries based on the Committee’s advice.
In making the declaration, Dr. Tedros expressed concern: “The rise of a new mpox clade, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the emergence of cases in neighboring countries are deeply troubling. To stop the mpox outbreaks in DRC and Africa, a coordinated international response is essential.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, added, “Intensive efforts are already underway with communities and governments. Our teams are working on the ground to strengthen measures against mpox. We are increasing international efforts to help end these outbreaks as the virus spreads.
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Committee Chair, stated, “The current mpox surge and the new sexually transmissible strain are global emergencies. Mpox, which began in Africa and caused a worldwide outbreak in 2022, must be addressed decisively to prevent a repeat of history.”
This is the second PHEIC declaration for mpox in two years. First identified in humans in 1970 in the DRC, mpox is endemic in central and west Africa. A previous PHEIC was declared in July 2022 as mpox spread rapidly across new countries via sexual contact. That emergency was declared over in May 2023 following a global decline in cases.
In recent years, mpox cases in the DRC have steadily increased, with 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone. The emergence of a new strain, clade 1b, which spreads predominantly through sexual networks, and its detection in neighboring countries, has heightened concern.
Over the past month, more than 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—countries where mpox was previously unknown. The actual number of cases is likely higher due to untested clinically compatible cases.
Multiple mpox outbreaks involving different clades, transmission modes, and risk levels have been reported.
WHO recommends two vaccines for mpox, which are endorsed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and approved by national regulatory authorities, including those in Nigeria and the DRC.
Last week, the Director-General initiated the Emergency Use Listing process for mpox vaccines, aiming to expedite access for lower-income countries without national regulatory approval. This process will also help partners like Gavi and UNICEF procure and distribute vaccines.
WHO is working with nations and vaccine manufacturers to arrange potential vaccine donations and is teaming up with the interim Medical Countermeasures Network to guarantee equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools.
An immediate funding requirement of US$15 million is anticipated to support surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts. WHO has released US$1.45 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies and may need additional funds. The Organization is calling on donors to support the full extent of the mpox response needs.
