Urgent Meeting Called by WHO to Address Spike in Smallpox Cases in DRC and Surrounding Nations
In a significant and urgent move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called an emergency meeting to address the alarming spike in mpox cases emanating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The outbreak, which has escalated sharply since September 2023, has resulted in nearly 27,000 confirmed cases and approximately 1,100 fatalities, many of which tragically involve children.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made the announcement on Wednesday, highlighting the severe impact of this outbreak. The virus, which has primarily affected the central African nation, is now showing signs of spreading to neighbouring countries, prompting international concern. Countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which had previously been unaffected, are now reporting cases, further amplifying the urgency of the situation.
Dr. Ghebreyesus stated, "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." This designation, known as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), represents the highest level of alert that the WHO can issue, signalling the gravity of the situation.
The meeting, which is to be convened "as soon as possible," will play a critical role in determining the global response to the outbreak. The WHO's swift action is a clear indication of the potential global health risk posed by the rapid spread of mpox, particularly given its detection in multiple countries across the African continent.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact. It is particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men, a demographic that has seen a significant number of cases. However, the outbreak in the DRC has shown a worrying trend, with over 70 percent of cases and 85 percent of deaths occurring in children under the age of 15. This points to a broader transmission route and a vulnerability in younger populations that is causing growing alarm among health officials.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that mpox has been detected in 10 African nations this year, with the DRC accounting for more than 96 percent of all cases. The surge represents a 160 percent increase in cases and a 19 percent rise in deaths compared to previous years, underscoring the rapid and deadly progression of the outbreak.
This situation also highlights the persistent global health inequities, particularly in vaccine distribution. While vaccines have been instrumental in curbing the spread of mpox in wealthier nations, the lack of access in poorer countries has made the virus much harder to control and ultimately eliminate. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, who leads WHO’s outbreak department, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We do not want the world to sit and watch and wait. The time [to act] is now.”
The outcome of the WHO's emergency meeting will be crucial in shaping the international response to this growing health crisis, with the hope of mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts to prevent a wider pandemic. As the world watches closely, the decisions made in the coming days could determine the trajectory of this outbreak and its impact on global public health.