WHO Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency Amid Surge in Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. This decision follows a rapid increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its detection in neighboring countries.
Highest Level of Alarm
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that a public health emergency of international concern is the highest level of alarm under international health law. He accepted the advice from the Emergency Committee, which met to discuss the situation.
Spread in Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that mpox has been detected in 10 African nations this year, with over 96% of cases in the DRC. Tedros highlighted the need for a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak.
WHO’s Efforts
The WHO is working on the ground in affected countries, providing machines to analyze blood samples, supporting laboratories, and training health workers. They are also helping countries access vaccines and develop strategies to roll them out.
Funding and Support
The WHO has developed a regional response plan requiring USD 15 million. They have already released USD 1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and are appealing to donors for additional funding.
Tedros emphasized the WHO’s commitment to coordinating the global response, working closely with affected countries to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.
Doubts Revealed
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a special agency of the United Nations that works to improve health and fight diseases all over the world.
Mpox -: Mpox is a disease caused by a virus. It can spread from animals to humans and between humans, causing symptoms like fever and rash.
Global Health Emergency -: A Global Health Emergency is a situation where a disease spreads quickly and affects many people in different countries, needing urgent action to control it.
Congo -: Congo, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a country in Central Africa. It is facing a big problem with the spread of mpox.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus -: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the Director-General of the WHO. He is the person in charge of leading the organization and making important decisions about global health.
USD 15 million -: USD 15 million means 15 million US dollars. It is the amount of money needed to help fight the mpox outbreak in the affected regions.
