WHO confirms health emergency due to monkeypox

Health authorities agreed to declare a health emergency in response to the spread of the virus around the world

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a health emergency public health emergency of international concern (ESPII) due to a more deadly variant of the monkeypox detected in Africa.

This decision was made after the registration 15,000 cases and 461 deaths in 2024figures that show a considerable increase compared to the previous year. This is the second time in two years that the WHO has taken such a measure.

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WHO Director spoke out

He Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, He announced the emergency at a press conference, highlighting the rapid spread of this new variant in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported cases.

“The potential for expansion both within Africa and globally is worrying”Ghebreyesus said, stressing the need for a coordinated international response to curb these outbreaks and protect lives.

The declaration of emergency was recommended by the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committeewhich met on 14 August to assess data from affected countries. The committee concluded that the new variant has a high potential to spread to more regions, both within and outside Africa.