Second meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024
November 28, 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed that the mpox outbreak, driven by the clade Ib strain, remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Rising cases, geographic spread, and operational challenges prompted the decision during the second International Health Regulations Emergency Committee meeting. Despite progress in vaccine allocation and partnerships with Africa CDC, efforts to curb the outbreak face hurdles, particularly in surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccination implementation. WHO emphasizes the urgent need for national and international coordination, targeted interventions, and expanded resources to combat mpox effectively. Sustained commitment remains crucial to address this global health crisis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated that the mpox outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the rising prevalence of clade Ib infections, continued geographic spread, and operational obstacles in response efforts. This decision, announced after the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee convened on November 22, underscores the challenges of controlling mpox in affected regions, particularly in Africa.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter, with clade Ib cases spreading to neighboring countries like Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya, and sporadically to other continents. WHO officials noted that the outbreak has extended from sexual networks to broader community transmission, disproportionately affecting children and younger age groups. While vaccines, including over 1.1 million doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, have been distributed, limited access and incomplete implementation hinder progress.
WHO praised collaborative efforts with Africa CDC, including the Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan, which focuses on surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccine deployment. However, challenges remain, particularly at the local level, where gaps in contact tracing, community engagement, and public education impede containment. Operational challenges are compounded by competing health emergencies and constrained resources.
The Committee emphasized the need for sustained political commitment, financial investment, and international cooperation. They highlighted the importance of equitable vaccine distribution and the strategic use of vaccines to interrupt transmission in hotspots. WHO also noted that addressing vaccine hesitancy and refining risk assessment approaches are critical.
The Committee's findings underscore the importance of coordinated global efforts to contain mpox. National and international stakeholders must prioritize comprehensive and integrated responses to reduce transmission and mitigate the broader public health risks posed by this evolving outbreak.