By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Mpox upsurge a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the continued rise in cases and ongoing transmission in some countries.
*WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stated this is im a statement on Tuesday.
Dr. Ghebreyesus stated, “The committee recognising progress in the capacity to respond in certain countries, advised me that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC.”
He emphasized the need for international support to address operational challenges, including surveillance, diagnostics, and funding.
Ghebreyesus concurred with the committee’s advice and issued revised temporary recommendations to Member States experiencing Mpox outbreaks, guiding countries’ efforts to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
“Ongoing operational challenges in responding to the event require continued international support,” he added.
NATIONAL ACCORD recalled that Mpox outbreak was first declared a PHEIC on August 14, 2024, and the committee has since met three times, consistently advising that the event remains a PHEIC.
The full report of the fourth meeting will be issued in the third week of June.
