WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005).
This decision follows the advice of an independent Emergency Committee, which expressed concerns about the rapid spread of a new mpox clade in eastern DRC and its detection in neighboring countries.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, noted that efforts are already underway in collaboration with governments and communities to curb the virus.
The declaration marks the second PHEIC determination related to mpox in two years, highlighting the growing global health threat posed by the disease.
The WHO has initiated an Emergency Use Listing process for mpox vaccines to expedite access for lower-income countries and is working with international partners to secure vaccine donations.
Immediate funding of $15 million is needed to support the response, with WHO already releasing $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies.
