By Africalivenews Staff Writer
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the ongoing outbreak of Mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — continues to pose a serious global health threat, particularly in African countries already grappling with multiple public health challenges. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed this position during a press briefing on Monday, warning that the recent resurgence of cases still meets the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations.
“Although case numbers have decreased in some parts of the world, the global risk remains,” said Dr. Tedros during the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee meeting in Geneva. “We are seeing renewed transmission in areas that previously had control, and we cannot afford to let our guard down.”
The health agency is now revising its temporary recommendations to member states currently experiencing Mpox outbreaks. These guidelines are designed to help national governments strengthen their surveillance systems, improve case detection, and enhance public communication strategies aimed at slowing the virus’s spread.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that causes symptoms similar to smallpox, although generally less severe. It was first discovered in 1958 after laboratory monkeys in Denmark developed a pox-like illness — hence the initial name, “monkeypox.” The first human case was identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, and the virus has since remained endemic in parts of central and West Africa.
Traditionally, Mpox infections have been associated with contact with wild animals such as rodents or primates. However, a significant development occurred in 2022 when the virus was confirmed to be spreading through human-to-human transmission, particularly via close physical and sexual contact. This shift in transmission dynamics led to an unprecedented global outbreak that affected more than 70 countries, many of which had never previously reported a single Mpox case.
A Rising Concern in Africa
The current resurgence is most concerning in several African nations where healthcare systems are already under strain. Countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi have all reported active Mpox outbreaks in recent weeks.
In the DRC alone, health officials recorded over 3,000 suspected Mpox cases and nearly 200 deaths as of mid-May 2025, according to the Ministry of Health. Most of the recent infections have occurred in remote regions where access to medical care, diagnostics, and vaccines remains limited.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Kabongo, a senior virologist at Kinshasa University, told Africa Live News that the situation is particularly dire in the country’s eastern provinces. “We are dealing with simultaneous outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, and now Mpox,” he said. “The healthcare infrastructure is overwhelmed, and there’s a lack of testing kits, antiviral drugs, and trained personnel.”
In Uganda, where memories of past viral outbreaks like Ebola are still fresh, health authorities have launched targeted awareness campaigns in districts bordering the DRC. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng said on Monday that they are taking a “proactive approach” by deploying rapid response teams and increasing community engagement.
“We cannot afford complacency,” Dr. Aceng said. “We are working closely with WHO and the Africa CDC to ensure this does not spiral out of control.”
WHO’s Updated Guidelines
The WHO’s revised temporary recommendations include:
- Enhanced Surveillance: Member states are being urged to strengthen case reporting systems and share data with international partners in real time.
- Community Education: Clear messaging around transmission, prevention, and symptoms must be distributed, especially in vulnerable communities.
- Vaccination Strategies: Countries are encouraged to prioritize high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and close contacts of infected individuals, in their immunization programs.
- International Cooperation: Cross-border collaboration is key in regions with porous frontiers, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Dr. Tedros emphasized that stigma surrounding the virus remains a major barrier to effective response, particularly due to its association with sexual transmission. “We must combat misinformation and discrimination,” he said. “A people-centered approach is critical to stopping the outbreak.”
The Global Context
Outside Africa, Mpox cases have stabilized in most high-income countries, largely due to widespread vaccination campaigns and strong healthcare systems. However, WHO officials caution against viewing the virus as a “developing-world problem,” pointing to isolated outbreaks that continue to appear in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Dr. Rosamund Lewis, WHO’s Technical Lead on Mpox, said that complacency in wealthier nations could create conditions for future resurgence. “As long as the virus is circulating anywhere, it’s a threat everywhere,” she stated. “We are one global community when it comes to health security.”
A Call for Equity
The resurgence of Mpox has also reignited debates around global vaccine equity, with many African nations still struggling to obtain sufficient doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is used to protect against both smallpox and Mpox. While wealthier countries have stockpiled millions of doses, African nations are often left waiting months for international support.
“Access to vaccines should not be dictated by geography or income,” said Dr. Ayoade Alakija, co-chair of the African Vaccine Delivery Alliance. “We learned this lesson during COVID-19. It’s time we applied it now.”
Conclusion
As the world continues to navigate multiple public health challenges, from COVID-19 to climate-related health crises, the WHO’s renewed declaration on Mpox is a timely reminder that global cooperation and sustained vigilance are essential.
With vulnerable communities at the heart of the current outbreak, particularly in central and East Africa, the international community faces a critical test: Will it act swiftly and equitably — or repeat the mistakes of past pandemics?
For now, the WHO’s message is clear: Mpox is not over — and neither is the responsibility to stop it.
