The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a renewed global health emergency declaration for mpox, marking the second time in two years that the viral infection has warranted such a designation. This declaration underscores the urgent need for improved medical responses and equitable access to vaccines, particularly in the hardest-hit regions.

Background on Mpox

Mpox is a viral infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Although generally mild, it can be severe or fatal, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems like those living with HIV. The current outbreak, which has prompted the WHO’s latest emergency declaration, originated from a new strain first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This strain appears to spread more readily between individuals, raising concerns about its global implications.

The Significance of the Emergency Declaration

A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is the WHO’s highest alert level, triggered when diseases spread in novel or concerning ways. This designation aims to spur international cooperation and financial support to combat the outbreak. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had already labeled the situation as an emergency earlier this week, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.

Reasons for the Repeat Emergency

The WHO initially declared mpox an emergency in 2022 when the disease, specifically clade IIb, began spreading internationally, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men. This outbreak was managed through behavioral changes, vaccination efforts, and safe sex practices. However, mpox has long been a public health issue in Africa, with the first human case reported in Congo in 1970. The current outbreak in Congo is the most severe ever recorded, with over 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths since January 2023, predominantly among children.

The new strain, clade Ib, has now spread beyond Congo to neighboring countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya. Sweden recently reported its first case of this new variant outside Africa, further emphasizing the need for a coordinated global response.

Challenges and Future Steps

The renewed emergency declaration aims to accelerate efforts to provide medical tools and funding to Congo. However, past challenges in addressing mpox highlight significant inequities. The WHO’s 2022 appeal for $34 million to combat the outbreak went largely unmet, and there was a notable disparity in vaccine access. African nations were unable to secure the vaccines used in the global response, made by Bavarian Nordic and KM Biologics. Despite ongoing efforts to address this, vaccine stockpiles remain limited.

The Africa CDC is working on plans to secure additional vaccine doses, but the situation remains precarious. Ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines and other resources is crucial to controlling the spread of mpox and protecting vulnerable populations.

Public Concerns and Health Measures

While mpox has a lower fatality rate compared to COVID-19, with a current rate of around 4% in Congo for both clades I and Ib, the situation remains serious. The emergency declarations serve to highlight the importance of ensuring that effective tools and vaccines reach those in need. Unlike COVID-19, mpox does not spread as easily, and there are proven methods to manage and prevent its transmission. The immediate focus is on overcoming logistical and financial barriers to effectively respond to the outbreak and mitigate its impact on affected regions.

(Adapted from Reuters.com)