Displaying items by tag: mpox

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant of the mpox viral disease spreading across thirteen African countries, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The variant, known as clade Ib, is more easily transmissible and has led to over 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths in Africa this year, marking a 160% increase from the previous year. WHO’s director-general emphasised the global threat, committing to coordinated efforts to prevent transmission and save lives. The PHEIC declaration facilitates accelerated research, funding, and international cooperation. Africa’s top public health body has also declared an mpox emergency, working with the EU and vaccine manufacturers to secure an initial 215,000 vaccine doses, with plans for up to ten million by 2025. Efforts include extensive media outreach to raise awareness, particularly using social media to target the young, who constitute 60% of the cases in the DRC.