Geneva, Switzerland — The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed that the global Mpox outbreak continues to meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR).
This was confirmed by WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, following the fourth meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee on Mpox, held on June 5.
Dr. Ghebreyesus explained that while some countries have recorded improvements in response capacity, the committee concluded that the overall situation remains critical and still qualifies as a PHEIC.
He attributed this conclusion to the persistent rise in case numbers, particularly a recent surge in West Africa, and the potential for ongoing, undetected transmission beyond the African continent.
“Ongoing operational challenges such as weak surveillance systems, limited diagnostic capacity, and insufficient funding continue to hamper the global response,” he said. “These obstacles make it difficult to prioritise interventions and highlight the need for sustained international support.”
In line with the committee’s assessment, Dr. Ghebreyesus issued updated temporary recommendations for countries grappling with ongoing Mpox outbreaks, aimed at strengthening prevention and control measures.
He also announced that the full report from the committee’s fourth meeting will be released in the third week of June.
Dr. Ghebreyesus recalled that the Mpox outbreak was initially declared a PHEIC on August 14, 2024, following its escalation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spread to neighbouring countries.
Since then, the Emergency Committee has convened three more times, each time reaffirming that the outbreak continues to meet the threshold for a global health emergency.
By Makinde oyinkansola| June 10, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
