The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for a global, coordinated effort to control a new outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
The outbreak, which has been rapidly spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African nations, was declared a health emergency of international concern by the WHO earlier this week.
In a statement made on Monday, the WHO voiced the urgency of the situation, warning that the mpox virus has the “potential to spread further across countries in Africa and possibly outside the continent.” The organization has announced a comprehensive response plan that will require at least $135 million over the next six months to contain the outbreak.
The new mpox outbreak has already led to confirmed cases in multiple countries, including Nigeria, where state health agencies have been put on high alert. This resurgence of the virus, known for its ability to spread through close contact, has raised concerns about its potential to cause widespread health impacts if not contained swiftly.
Speaking to WHO member states on Friday, Dr. Tedros underscored the importance of immediate and concerted action. “Let me be clear: this new mpox outbreak can be controlled and can be stopped,” he stated in his speech, which was later shared on the social media platform X. “Responding to this complex outbreak requires a comprehensive and coordinated international response.”
The WHO’s call to action comes as health authorities around the world prepare to intensify their efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus. The $135 million response plan will focus on strengthening surveillance, enhancing laboratory capacity, ensuring the availability of medical countermeasures, and supporting countries in their efforts to curb transmission.
As the situation develops, the WHO will continue to work closely with affected countries and international partners to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and prevent its spread to other regions. The organization has urged the global community to rally behind this effort, stressing that swift and effective action is essential to stopping the virus in its tracks.
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