LIVE UPDATES
The World Health Organization has stated that the ongoing rise in mpox cases qualifies as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as outlined in the International Health Regulations.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus made this announcement following the fourth session of the IHR emergency committee focused on the mpox surge, which took place on June 5.
He noted that while progress has been made in response capacity in certain regions, the committee advised that the situation still constitutes a PHEIC due to a persistent increase in cases, particularly in West Africa, and likely continued unnoticed transmission in some countries outside Africa.
Ghebreyesus highlighted that operational difficulties, particularly in surveillance and diagnostics, along with insufficient funding, hinder effective response interventions and necessitate sustained international support.
He agreed with the committee's recommendations and issued updated temporary guidance for Member States dealing with mpox outbreaks, aimed at aiding their efforts to prevent and control the disease spread.
The detailed report from the fourth meeting is set to be released in the third week of June.
Ghebreyesus initially designated the mpox situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries as a PHEIC on August 14, 2024.
Since then, the committee has convened three more times, consistently advising the director-general that the situation still qualifies as a PHEIC.
