On Friday, WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that the new mpox outbreak is controllable and can be stopped. During a briefing with WHO members, Tedros emphasized the need for unified action from international agencies, national and local partners, civil society, researchers, manufacturers, and member states.
Since the outbreak began in 2022, over 100,000 confirmed mpox cases have been reported globally, with a notable surge in Africa. Tedros highlighted that the majority of cases are now centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has reported 90% of the cases in 2024. There have been more than 16,000 suspected cases and 575 deaths this year alone.
He also pointed out that cases of the Clade 1b strain have recently appeared in countries not previously affected, including Thailand and Sweden, in addition to neighboring nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The WHO, along with its partners, has developed a Global Mpox Virus Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. This plan aims to end the outbreak through coordinated efforts at global, regional, and national levels. It focuses on comprehensive surveillance, advancing research, ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures, reducing zoonotic transmission, and empowering communities in outbreak prevention and control.
Tedros noted that the WHO is working with a broad range of partners to enhance preparedness and response efforts. The WHO Regional Office for Africa, in collaboration with the Africa CDC, will lead the coordination of mpox response efforts in the region, addressing the areas of greatest need.
