By Lawal Adenike
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for immediate international action to address the spreading outbreak in response to the concerning increase in mpox cases in Africa. Dr. Tedros addressed the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, highlighting the worrying increase in Mpox cases, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as the virus’s transmission to neighboring countries.
“Mpox has been a persistent health issue in the DRC for over a decade, with the number of reported cases increasing steadily each year,” Dr. Tedros stated. “Last year, we witnessed a significant spike in cases, and already in 2024, the numbers have exceeded last year’s total, with more than 14,000 reported cases and 524 deaths.”
The Director-General emphasized the emergence and rapid spread of Mpox clade 1b in the DRC, which is primarily transmitted through sexual networks. This strain has not only spread within the DRC but has also been detected in four neighboring countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—that had not previously reported Mpox cases. “This is one of the main reasons for my decision to convene this Emergency Committee,” Dr. Tedros explained.
Dr. Tedros stressed that the situation is complex, involving multiple outbreaks of different Mpox clades across various countries, each with unique modes of transmission and risk levels. “We are not dealing with one outbreak of one clade; we are dealing with several outbreaks of different clades in different countries,” he said. “Stopping these outbreaks will require a tailored and comprehensive response, with communities at the center, as always.”
To address the growing crisis, WHO has developed a regional response plan requiring an initial $15 million to support surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. Dr. Tedros announced that WHO has already released $1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to kickstart the response, with plans to release additional funds in the coming days. He also appealed to international donors to help fund the rest of the response plan.
In his address, Dr. Tedros highlighted the availability of two WHO-recommended vaccines for Mpox, which have been approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities and are already in use in countries like Nigeria and the DRC. Last week, Dr. Tedros triggered the process for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Mpox vaccines, which will accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries that have not yet issued their own national regulatory approvals. The EUL process also enables partners, including Gavi and UNICEF, to procure vaccines for distribution.
“We are working with all partners to facilitate equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, supplies for clinical care, and other tools,” Dr. Tedros assured. “WHO is grateful to Member States and vaccine manufacturers for their collaboration on vaccine donations.”
The Director-General also warned of the potential for further international spread of Mpox, both within and outside Africa, prompting his decision to convene the Emergency Committee under the IHR. The committee’s advice will guide him in determining whether the current situation represents a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Dr. Tedros concluded his address by acknowledging the recent amendments to the International Health Regulations adopted by WHO Member States at this year’s World Health Assembly, which will come into force next year. However, he noted that for the current meeting, the committee would operate under the existing IHR framework.
“As you know, at this year’s World Health Assembly, WHO Member States adopted a set of amendments to the International Health Regulations. Those amendments will come into force next year, so for this meeting, you will operate under the existing IHR. Once again, thank you for committing your time and expertise to this very important process. I look forward to your advice,” Dr. Tedros concluded.
