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Monkeypox remains global health emergency: surge in cases continues

WHO prolongs international health emergency as Mpox cases continue to rise, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the epidemic spreads geographically

Mpox, known as monkeypox, continues to be classified as a public health emergency of international concern (Pheic). This was confirmed today by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (Ihr) Emergency Committee on February 25. “The Mpox surge still meets the criteria for Pheic declaration,” Tedros said.

The expert panel recommended extending the global emergency due to the continued increase in Mpox cases, its geographic spread and the high severity of the epidemic in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, the lack of adequate funding to implement an effective response plan contributed to this decision. Tedros accepted the committee’s suggestion.

The global health emergency declaration for Mpox was first issued on Aug. 14, 2024, following a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the spread of the Clade Ib viral strain, which is considered potentially more aggressive. This is the second time Mpox has been declared a global health emergency in two years: the first was in July 2022, when the virus hit several European countries hard with the Clade II strain. That emergency was lifted in May 2023, but the current situation requires new surveillance measures.

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