The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox (mpox) a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has quickly spread to neighboring countries. This declaration, the highest level of alert issued by the WHO, is intended to accelerate research, funding, and international cooperation to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as Clade I. However, a new variant, Clade Ib, which appears to be more easily transmissible through routine close contact, including sexual contact, has since emerged. The rapid spread of this new clade has prompted urgent action from global health authorities.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives.” The declaration comes as the outbreak has extended beyond Congo’s borders, affecting countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
In response to the escalating crisis, WHO has released $1.5 million in contingency funds and plans to mobilize an additional $15 million through an appeal to donors. These funds will be directed towards implementing a comprehensive response plan, which includes bolstering healthcare systems in affected regions, enhancing surveillance, and supporting research into vaccines and treatments.
The WHO’s decision to declare a public health emergency follows a unanimous recommendation from its mpox emergency committee. Professor Dimie Ogoina, chair of the committee, noted that the current surge in cases is an "extraordinary event,” with the Congo experiencing a record number of cases this year.
The outbreak has been particularly devastating for children, with Africa’s top public health body recently reporting over 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths in 2024 alone, primarily among children in the Congo.
Despite previous successes in curbing the spread of mpox through vaccines and behavioral changes, particularly during the 2022 global outbreak that predominantly affected men who have sex with men, the current situation presents new challenges. In Congo, transmission routes are still not fully understood, and the lack of available vaccines is a significant hurdle in containing the outbreak.
WHO has called for urgent research to better understand how the virus is spreading and to develop effective vaccines. The agency has also appealed to countries with existing vaccine stockpiles to donate doses to affected regions.
Tedros highlighted the importance of a coordinated global response, saying, "The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighboring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying.”
