In a recent address, WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed confidence that the ongoing mpox virus outbreak can be effectively controlled and eventually brought to a halt. This statement, reported by Azernews and citing Anadolu Agency, underscores a renewed commitment to addressing a significant global health challenge.
Urgent Call for Unified Action
Tedros highlighted the urgency of a collective approach to managing the mpox outbreak. During a briefing with WHO members, he emphasized that halting the spread of mpox necessitates a unified effort among international organizations, national governments, local partners, civil society, researchers, and the manufacturing sector. "This new mpox outbreak can be controlled and stopped," Tedros asserted, stressing the need for a coordinated response across all levels of society.
Escalating Concerns and Global Impact
Since the onset of the global mpox outbreak in 2022, the World Health Organization has recorded over 100,000 confirmed cases. This data reflects an alarming rise in infections, particularly in Africa, which has seen an unprecedented surge. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 90% of the reported cases in 2024. The year has already witnessed over 16,000 suspected cases and 575 deaths attributed to mpox, underscoring the severity of the situation.
In addition to the African region, Tedros pointed out that cases of the Clade 1b strain of the virus have recently been detected beyond the continent. Reports have emerged from neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as distant locations like Thailand and Sweden, marking a troubling expansion of the virus's geographic reach.
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Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan
To combat the mpox outbreak, the WHO has introduced a comprehensive Global Mpox Virus Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. This plan is designed to address the crisis through a multifaceted approach involving global, regional, and national strategies. Key components of the plan include:
- Enhanced Surveillance and Response: Implementing robust surveillance systems to monitor and respond to new cases.
- Advancing Research and Access to Treatments: Promoting research initiatives and ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures.
- Reducing Zoonotic Transmission: Tackling the transmission of the virus from animals to humans.
- Community Engagement: Empowering local communities to actively participate in preventing and controlling the outbreak.
Tedros emphasized that the success of this plan hinges on effective collaboration among all stakeholders. The WHO's efforts are aimed at improving preparedness and response capabilities on a global scale, with particular attention to areas most affected by the outbreak.
Regional Coordination and Support
In response to the urgent need for coordinated efforts, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, in partnership with the Africa CDC based in Ethiopia, will spearhead the mpox response efforts in the African region. This partnership aims to enhance coordination and address the needs of the areas hardest hit by the outbreak.
By working closely with international, regional, and local partners, the WHO is focused on improving the overall response to the mpox virus. This collaborative approach is crucial in addressing the outbreak's challenges and mitigating its impact on affected communities.
Bottomline
As the world grapples with the mpox virus, the WHO's strategic plan and coordinated response offer a roadmap to controlling the outbreak. The commitment to global collaboration and targeted action is essential for managing the current crisis and preventing future occurrences. With concerted efforts and sustained dedication, there is hope that the mpox virus can be brought under control, safeguarding public health worldwide.