Mpox No Longer a Global Emergency, WHO Declares, But Africa Faces Continued Threat

WHO Lifts Global Mpox Emergency Status

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that mpox, previously known as monkeypox, no longer constitutes a global health emergency. This significant decision reflects a decrease in the disease's global spread and the effectiveness of public health interventions. The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) was initially made in July 2022 when the virus began to spread rapidly in countries where it was not typically found, raising alarms worldwide. The lifting of this status indicates that the global health body believes the immediate, severe threat has receded.

This move follows a careful review of the current situation by the WHO's International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee. The committee assesses various factors, including the number of new cases, transmission patterns, and the capacity of healthcare systems to manage the disease. While the global emergency status is lifted, it does not mean the virus has disappeared. It signifies a shift from an acute, urgent crisis to a managed public health challenge that requires ongoing vigilance and integrated control programs.

Persistent Challenges in Africa

Despite the global downgrading, significant concerns persist, particularly within the African continent. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has indicated that mpox remains a continental emergency. This distinction highlights the differing epidemiological realities and resource capacities across regions. Mpox has been endemic in parts of Central and West Africa for decades, where it typically spreads through close contact with infected animals or humans. The ongoing situation in Africa underscores the need for continued support for surveillance, prevention, and treatment efforts in these regions.

Local outbreaks and challenges in accessing diagnosis and treatment continue to impact communities in several African countries. The Africa CDC's advisory group maintains that a robust response is still critical to control the disease's spread and mitigate its impact on public health across the continent. This dual perspective from global and continental health bodies emphasizes that while the urgency has lessened globally, the disease's burden is unevenly distributed and requires tailored responses.

Understanding Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash that can appear on the face, palms, soles, and other parts of the body. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own, some can be severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials, such as bedding. Vaccination and public health measures like isolation and contact tracing remain key tools in controlling its spread.

What happens next

Even with the global emergency status lifted, health authorities worldwide will continue to monitor mpox cases and trends. The WHO will likely transition to a longer-term strategy for managing the virus, focusing on integrating mpox control into routine public health programs. This includes continued surveillance, vaccination campaigns where appropriate, public awareness initiatives, and research into improved treatments and vaccines. Countries, especially those in Africa, will need sustained international support to strengthen their health systems and address the endemic nature of the disease effectively. The focus will shift from emergency response to sustainable control and prevention measures to minimize future outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.