Global Action Urgently Needed: WHO Director-General Addresses 2024 MPOX Upsurge
Dear members of the Emergency Committee, colleagues, and esteemed friends,
For over a decade, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has faced a persistent and troubling increase in mpox cases, with each passing year bringing more reports of infection. Last year saw a dramatic surge in cases, and the numbers reported so far this year have already surpassed last year’s total. Over 14,000 cases have been recorded, resulting in 524 tragic deaths.
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The recent emergence and rapid spread of clade 1b in the DRC, which seems to be primarily transmitted through sexual networks, is particularly alarming. This clade has now been detected in neighbouring countries, prompting me to convene this Emergency Committee.
In the past month alone, approximately 90 cases of clade 1b have been reported in four neighbouring countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—where mpox had not been previously reported. This indicates a troubling trend and highlights the complexity of the situation we face. We are not dealing with a single outbreak but multiple outbreaks of different clades, with varying modes of transmission and levels of risk across different regions.
Our response to these outbreaks must be both comprehensive and tailored, with a strong emphasis on community involvement. WHO is collaborating closely with the governments of the affected countries, the Africa CDC, NGOs, civil society, and other partners to understand and address the root causes of these outbreaks.
To support surveillance, preparedness, and response activities, WHO has developed a regional response plan requiring an initial funding of US$ 15 million. We have already released US$ 1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and plan to allocate more funds in the coming days. We are also reaching out to donors to help fully fund this critical response plan.
Two vaccines for mpox are currently recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and have been approved by national regulatory authorities, including in Nigeria and the DRC. To expedite vaccine access in lower-income countries that have not yet issued their own national regulatory approval, I have initiated the Emergency Use Listing process for mpox vaccines. This will also enable partners like Gavi and UNICEF to procure vaccines for distribution.
We are grateful to Member States and vaccine manufacturers for their collaboration on vaccine donations. WHO is working diligently with all partners to ensure equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, clinical care supplies, and other essential tools.
Given the expanding outbreak in East and Central Africa and the potential for further international spread both within and beyond Africa, I have convened this Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to advise on whether the current situation constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
When I declared an end to the previous mpox PHEIC last year, I issued standing recommendations under the IHR, which are set to expire next week. I have decided to extend these recommendations for another year to support countries in managing the ongoing risk of mpox.
Should the current situation be deemed a public health emergency of international concern based on your expert advice, I would issue temporary recommendations in line with the IHR.
At this year’s World Health Assembly, WHO Member States adopted a set of amendments to the IHR, which will come into effect next year. For this meeting, however, we will operate under the existing IHR framework.
I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you for dedicating your time and expertise to this critical process. I look forward to receiving your valuable insights and guidance as we navigate this challenging situation together.