GLOBAL HEALTH ALERT

The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared a Global Health Emergency due to a new Mpox Outbreak. This time, the epidemic is primarily affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo but has also spread to 13 other African nations. The rapid spread of this virus, previously known as Monkeypox, is alarming health officials worldwide.

Mpox Outbreak Spreads Across Africa

This year, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 15,600 cases of Mpox with 537 deaths. This recent outbreak is deadlier than the one in 2022, which affected nearly 100,000 people globally.

The current spread of Mpox has prompted the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to declare a “Public Health Emergency of Continental Security”.

Understanding Mpox Outbreak and Its Spread

Mpox, identified in 1958, is similar to Smallpox but causes milder symptoms. However, the recent version circulating in Congo is more virulent with a death rate of about 3%.

The virus has primarily spread through close contact with infected individuals or animals. Notably, it has been detected in neighboring countries, some of which had not previously reported cases.

Rising Concerns Over Mpox Spread

The WHO’s Emergency Declaration aims to mobilize international resources to contain the outbreak.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General revealed the identification and spread of a new variant of Mpox in the eastern region of DRC.

With over 17,500 cases in 13 countries, the international community is urged to share vaccines and treatments to curb the spread.

Challenges in Controlling the Mpox Outbreak

Containing the Mpox Outbreak is challenging due to insufficient vaccines and treatments in Africa. Congo has approved two vaccines,

LC16 and Jynneos, but has yet to implement a vaccination plan. The WHO has invited vaccine manufacturers to apply for an Emergency Use Listing to facilitate vaccine distribution in low-income countries.

Currently, only a fraction of the needed doses are available.

International Response and Future Actions

The Global Health Community emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to tackle the Mpox Outbreak. Although the WHO has released $1.45 million from its emergency fund to support Africa, the estimated need is $15 million initially.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Children and women are particularly at risk in this outbreak. In Congo, children under 15 account for more than 70% of the cases and 85% of the deaths.

Overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions in refugee camps exacerbate the situation. Efforts to protect these vulnerable populations include potential immunization strategies and improving living conditions in affected areas.

Looking Ahead

The WHO and Africa CDC stress the importance of rapid and decisive action to prevent the Mpox Outbreak from becoming a Global Crisis.

The lessons learned from the 2022 Outbreak highlight the necessity for international cooperation and resource sharing to combat the spread of infectious diseases effectively.

Watch here : What is Mpox and how deadly Is It ?

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