WHO unveils a new plan to control mpox spread, confident the virus can be halted. AP Photo
The United Nations health agency has rolled out a new six-month initiative to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreaks, with a focus on bolstering efforts in affected areas. Starting this September and continuing through February next year, the World Health Organization (WHO) plans to significantly increase staffing in countries hit hard by the disease. This ambitious plan will also enhance surveillance, prevention, and response measures.
To support this extensive effort, WHO estimates that $135 million will be needed. The initiative aims to ensure equitable access to vaccines, particularly in African nations where the outbreak has been most severe. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is optimistic, stating, "The mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries can be controlled, and can be stopped."
Recently, the WHO escalated the mpox outbreak to a global health emergency, underscoring the urgency of the situation. In a collaborative move, Germany announced it will contribute 100,000 doses of mpox vaccine from its military reserves to aid the affected regions. This donation comes as the Congo, the most severely impacted country, reported over 1,000 new mpox cases in just one week.
According to the latest figures from the African Centers for Disease Control, more than 21,300 suspected or confirmed mpox cases and 590 deaths have been recorded this year across 12 African countries. Mpox is part of the same virus family as smallpox but generally causes less severe symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches. It spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity. More serious cases can result in lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
