The World Health Organization has declared a highly deadly monkeypox strain as a global health emergency, urging nations to take unified action.
At a Glance
- The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency.
- This is the second global emergency by the W.H.O. in two years.
- Monkeypox has now spread to dozens of countries, infecting tens of thousands.
- The declaration aims to prompt a coordinated international response.
- The outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has significantly affected Africa.
WHO Declaration and Its Impact
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has now classified the monkeypox outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern.” This designation underscores the severity of the outbreak and the urgent need to curb its spread through international cooperation and action. The W.H.O. made this announcement to ensure rapid resource allocation, increased funding, and enhanced global health monitoring.
The “public health emergency of international concern,” designation also acts as a call to action for countries to prioritize the containment and mitigation of the monkeypox virus. It emphasizes that the outbreak poses a significant public health risk, prompting the need for unified international efforts.
For only the seventh time since 2007, the W.H.O. has declared such a global emergency, underscoring the gravity and rapid spread of this monkeypox strain. The aim is to galvanize efforts globally, directing attention towards managing this critical health issue and saving lives.
The virus has proliferated, moving beyond the African continent, which was initially the most affected region. The W.H.O. points to inadequate healthcare resources, crowded refugee camps, and systemic vulnerabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo as contributing factors to the outbreak’s rapid escalation. Over 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths have been reported in Africa this year, marking a 160% increase from the previous year.
The Strain and Its Spread
There are two primary clades or strains of the monkeypox virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I, which is the more transmissible and severe variant, is largely responsible for the current spread in Africa. A new version, called Clade Ib, has emerged, showing higher transmissibility rates. Clade II, which led to the global spread in 2022, has milder symptoms, making it less severe but still a considerable public health threat.
“We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little, and which meets the criteria,” – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director general.
The outbreak also places an unimaginable strain on health systems in affected regions. Nations must work cohesively to establish risk management protocols, enhance infection containment measures, and improve testing and surveillance capabilities. Addressing these concerns is essential for mitigating the virus’s impact.
World Health Organization declares ultra-deadly monkeypox strain a public health emergency of international concern https://t.co/eBzVoVD9Sr pic.twitter.com/eBdWpPOoLd
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) August 14, 2024
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the W.H.O.’s efforts, some global health experts have criticized the organization’s criteria for declaring emergencies. They argue that the process remains opaque and inconsistent, calling for clearer guidelines and prompt action in the face of rising threats
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The W.H.O. had previously concluded in June that while monkeypox was a growing threat, it did not yet constitute an international emergency. This delay in classification has been controversial, with some experts suggesting that earlier intervention might have curbed the virus’s spread.
Africa particularly grapples with slow and undersourced healthcare responses. Calls for adopting strategic models of action to respond effectively to the outbreak have gained traction. Implementing vaccination strategies and improving resource allocation are crucial steps forward, ensuring preparedness against escalating threats.
“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Monkeypox symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The U.S. has made notable donations of vaccines, providing 50,000 doses to the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to alleviate some of the obstacles faced by poorly resourced healthcare systems. However, these data underscore the dire necessity for broader and more robust international intervention.
