WHO Calls Emergency Meeting on Monkeypox Spread from Congo
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called an emergency meeting to discuss the surge in Monkeypox (mpox) cases spreading from Congo. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared on X that a committee of independent experts will meet soon to address the issue.
“In light of the spread of #mpox outside #DRC, and the potential for further international spread within and outside Africa, I have decided to convene an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to advise me on whether the outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” stated Tedros.
Since last September, mpox cases have surged in the Central African nation, with a strain now detected in neighboring countries. The outbreak has resulted in nearly 27,000 cases and about 1,100 deaths, many of them children. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 96% of the cases are in the DRC, with a 160% increase in cases and a 19% rise in deaths this year. The disease is especially prevalent among children under 15.
The WHO declared mpox a global emergency in 2022 after it spread to more than 70 countries.
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WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organisation. It is a special agency of the United Nations that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
Monkeypox -: Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus. It can spread from animals to humans and also from person to person, causing symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
Congo -: Congo, also known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is a country in Central Africa. It is known for its vast rainforests and rich natural resources.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus -: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the Director-General of the World Health Organisation. He is responsible for leading the global efforts to improve health and respond to health emergencies.
public health emergency of international concern -: A public health emergency of international concern is a situation that poses a risk to multiple countries and requires a coordinated international response. It helps countries to work together to stop the spread of diseases.
