MPOX TRACKER

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues its global fight against Mpox, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2024. The Mpox outbreak has disproportionately affected Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 50,000 individuals have been vaccinated in seven provinces. The rollout prioritizes healthcare workers, contacts of confirmed cases, and high-risk groups, reflecting a strategic effort to curb the virus’s spread.

The Mpox Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan outlines a multi-pronged strategy, emphasizing enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, and community engagement. WHO’s approach integrates vaccination campaigns with robust public health measures, including contact tracing, risk communication, and infection prevention protocols. In the DRC, collaborative efforts involve over 300 WHO experts who previously contributed to polio eradication, now pivoting to Mpox containment.

The global response also addresses critical gaps, such as limited access to diagnostics and the need for tailored, culturally sensitive education to combat stigma and misinformation. Investments in laboratory upgrades, healthcare worker training, and vaccine logistics have strengthened local capacities to detect and manage outbreaks. The European Commission, Gavi, and the U.S. government have supported these efforts with significant vaccine donations.

Mpox’s extensive reach, with Clade 1b documented in 11 countries, highlights the necessity for continued vigilance. WHO calls for sustained partnerships among member states, NGOs, and multilateral organizations to refine interventions and scale up research into treatments and vaccines. This comprehensive response underscores the importance of global solidarity in addressing infectious diseases. By integrating Mpox measures into broader public health programs, WHO aims to enhance resilience and mitigate future health crises, ensuring a safer, healthier world for all.