WHO Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency as African Outbreak Grows

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global health emergency, following a surge in cases across multiple African countries. This declaration comes as the outbreak, which initially appeared contained, has rapidly spread, raising concerns among health officials worldwide.

The Growing Crisis

Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease, has seen a dramatic increase in reported cases across Africa over the past few months. Countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana have been particularly hard-hit, with thousands of new infections reported. The virus, which typically causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, can lead to severe complications in some cases, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

A 13-year-old diagnosed with mpox goes to collect water at a camp for internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of an outbreak of the viral disease that on Wednesday triggered the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. (Arlette Bashizi/Reuters)

 What Prompted the WHO’s Decision?

The WHO's decision to declare mpox a global health emergency was driven by the escalating number of cases and the disease's potential to spread beyond Africa. Despite efforts to contain the virus, mpox has shown a disturbing ability to cross borders, with isolated cases now being reported in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The declaration aims to mobilize international resources and coordination to prevent the outbreak from becoming a pandemic.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a recent statement: "The rapid spread of mpox in Africa and its detection in other regions is a clear signal that the world must act now. We cannot afford to wait and see. Coordinated global action is crucial to stopping this outbreak in its tracks."

The Challenges Ahead

Containing the mpox outbreak poses significant challenges, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Many of the affected African countries are already dealing with other public health crises, such as COVID-19 and malaria, stretching their healthcare systems thin. Additionally, the stigma associated with the disease and the initial lack of public awareness have hampered early detection and response efforts.

The WHO’s declaration is expected to unlock additional funding and resources to support affected countries. It will also facilitate the distribution of vaccines and antiviral treatments, which are crucial in managing the spread of the virus. However, these resources must be deployed quickly and efficiently to be effective.

Global Response and Preparedness

As part of the global response, the WHO is urging countries to enhance their surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, and strengthen their public health infrastructure. There is also a strong push for research into the development of more effective vaccines and treatments for mpox. The organization has called on nations to share information and collaborate on containment strategies to ensure a coordinated effort.

The global health community is also emphasizing the importance of public education to combat misinformation and stigma surrounding the disease. Raising awareness about mpox, its symptoms, and the ways it spreads is essential to controlling the outbreak.


The WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global health emergency underscores the seriousness of the current outbreak and the urgent need for international cooperation. As the situation in Africa continues to deteriorate, the world must act swiftly to prevent mpox from becoming a global catastrophe. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether the outbreak can be contained or if the world will face yet another major health crisis.