WHO Downgrades Mpox Status, Global Emergency Declared Over

Global Health Status Downgraded for Mpox Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant shift in the global health status of mpox, previously known as monkeypox. The international health body declared that the recent widespread outbreak no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision reflects a notable decrease in the number of new cases reported worldwide and a better understanding of how to manage the disease.

The declaration of a PHEIC in July 2022 had signaled the severe nature of the outbreak. This designation is the highest level of alert the WHO can issue, used for events that pose a public health risk to other states through the international spread of disease and potentially require a coordinated global response. The downgrade indicates that while the virus is still present, the immediate crisis phase has passed, and the global health system is better equipped to handle it.

Persistent Challenges Remain, Particularly in Africa

Despite the global downgrade, health officials caution that mpox continues to be a concern, especially in parts of Africa where the virus has been endemic for many years. The disease, characterized by flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash, has historically affected communities in Central and West Africa, where it often spreads from animals to humans. The recent global outbreak saw the virus spread predominantly through close human-to-human contact, including sexual contact.

While the number of cases has fallen sharply in many regions that experienced significant outbreaks in 2022, the WHO emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance, vaccination efforts, and access to testing and treatment. The virus still poses a risk, and vigilance is required to prevent resurgence and to manage the disease effectively in areas where it remains a persistent health challenge. It is crucial for countries to maintain readiness and integrate mpox control into their routine public health programs.

What happens next

The WHO will continue to monitor mpox trends globally, working with national health authorities to integrate mpox prevention and control into routine health services. Public health campaigns will likely shift focus towards sustained prevention, particularly in vulnerable communities. Research into long-term immunity and improved treatment options will also continue. The transition from emergency status means a move towards more sustainable, long-term control strategies, rather than an immediate crisis response, ensuring that the lessons learned from the recent global outbreak are applied effectively for future health security.