The World Health Organization has declared Mpox a global public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years.
This comes in the context of the current outbreak of viral infection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries.
PHEIC is WHO's highest alert level for a disease outbreak and was declared for Mpox in July 2022 and ended in May 2023 due to declining infections worldwide.
The new development comes less than 24 hours after the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) made a similar statement.
The Africa CDC recently reported a 160 percent increase in Mpox cases on the continent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
More than 17,000 suspected cases of mpox and 517 deaths have been recorded in 13 countries in Africa, including previously unaffected countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
This also prompted the Africa CDC to officially declare the current Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency for Continental Safety (PHECS), marking the first such declaration by the agency since its establishment in 2017.
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Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya announced this on Tuesday during a special press briefing on the crucial steps and implications of the disease for Africa's health security.
Current outbreak
The WHO convened its emergency MPOX committee amid concerns that a more lethal strain of the virus, clade Ib, had reached four previously unaffected provinces in Africa.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus met virtually on Wednesday with independent experts on the committee to advise them on the severity of the outbreak.
Mr. Ghebreyesus, following that consultation, announced that he had declared a public health emergency of international concern, noting that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives.
However, during Tuesday's briefing, CDC's Director General for Africa said development is not just an African problem but a global threat that requires solidarity and collective action.
“We have consulted with more than 600 experts, partners and stakeholders to guide our response,” he said.
Mr Kaseya said his first statement is a call to action, recognising that Africa can no longer afford to be reactive.
He reiterated his commitment to leading the fight against Mpox, using his mandate to coordinate responses to public health emergencies. “We will provide treatment, protection measures and support to those who need it.
“This is a fight for all African states and we will work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this health threat,” said the director general.
Nigeria's response
As of July 28, Nigeria has recorded 24 cases with no deaths, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo topped the list with 13,791 cases and 450 deaths.
In response to the outbreak, the Nigerian government ordered passengers entering the country through airports to complete a health declaration form to ensure safety against infectious diseases.
The protocol had already been introduced globally, especially when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, and was in force for many months.
According to the Ministry of Health, “the form is a measure instituted to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and assist in the control of disease outbreaks, thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians.”
“A paper version will be provided upon arrival in Nigeria to passengers who are unable to complete the online form,” officials said.
About Mpox
Monkeypox (Mpox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Most people recover completely, but some become seriously ill.
The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies changed the name of monkeypox to “Mpox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.