The World Health Organisation has confirmed that the ongoing mpox outbreak still meets the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to rising cases and surveillance challenges

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]pox upsurge continues to pose a significant global health threat, meeting the World Health Organisation’s criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), according to a fresh update from the United Nations health agency.

Also read: Nigeria to strengthen Mpox response with vaccine donation from US govt

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, confirmed the development in a statement released after the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on 5 June.

Despite progress in response capacity in some countries, the committee advised that the current upsurge particularly marked by a spike in West Africa and signs of undetected transmission beyond the continent remains a global health emergency.

“The upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighbouring countries was first determined to be a PHEIC on 14 August 2024,” the WHO chief noted.

“Since then, the committee has met three more times and has consistently reaffirmed this status.”

Dr Ghebreyesus also highlighted ongoing operational hurdles, including weak disease surveillance systems, limited access to diagnostic tools, and insufficient funding for affected countries.

“Ongoing operational challenges in responding to the event, including concerning surveillance and diagnostics, as well as a lack of funding, make prioritising response interventions challenging and require continued international support,” he stated.

The WHO’s revised temporary recommendations aimed at improving detection, reporting, and containment — have been issued to countries currently battling mpox outbreaks.

These guidelines are expected to shape international health responses over the coming months.

A full report from the June 5 meeting is expected in the third week of June.

Also read: Mpox not new COVID-19, says WHO

As the virus continues to impact vulnerable regions, particularly in West and Central Africa, the WHO has urged the global community to sustain its focus on containment and equity in healthcare response.