WHO declares mpox outbreak a global health emergency

The ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization convened its emergency mpox committee to address concerns about the spread of a deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, to four previously unaffected provinces in Africa. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Since the beginning of this year, over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported in 13 African countries. Mpox is a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals. Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and international cooperation is being sought for financing and organizing these efforts.