Monkeypox, WHO declares international state of emergency
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the mpox epidemic a public health emergency for continental security
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1' min read
The World Health Organisation has declared a state of international health emergency (Pheic) following an increase in cases of mpox (the monkey worm) in Africa.
Making the announcement was WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Today the emergency committee met and informed me that the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I accepted this advice," he said.
On 13 August, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had declared the mpox epidemic, which from the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading to other African countries a public health emergency for continental security.
This "is not simply another challenge but a real crisis that requires collective political action," said African CoC Director General Jean Kaseya.
"As a continent we have faced pandemics, various epidemics, natural disasters and conflicts. We have risen from every adversity. Today we face mpox with the same spirit."
