Background on Monkeypox and its Global Impact
Monkeypox, a rare viral disease that falls under the same family as smallpox, has recently posed a significant global health concern. The virus primarily circulates in Central and Western African countries, where it was first identified. However, in May 2022, cases started emerging in non-endemic countries, raising global alarm.
Who is Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus?
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). As the head of this international health body, he plays a crucial role in coordinating global responses to public health emergencies. His recent announcement regarding the monkeypox situation underscores his commitment to evidence-based decision-making and global health security.
WHO’s Decision to End International Health Emergency
On Friday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the termination of the international health emergency declared over a year ago due to monkeypox outbreaks, primarily in Africa.
Declaring the End of Emergency: Context and Rationale
The WHO’s decision to end the international health emergency stems from a sustained decrease in monkeypox cases and fatalities across affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.
Tedros emphasized that understanding transmission factors and severity risks has improved, enabling countries to build sustained response capabilities.
Continued Vigilance and Preparedness
Despite ending the international health emergency declaration, Tedros stressed that monkeypox remains a continental threat in Africa. He acknowledged the potential for further outbreaks and new cases, necessitating ongoing surveillance and preparedness to safeguard vulnerable groups like children and individuals with HIV.
Current Monkeypox Situation
As of the latest data, the WHO has recorded 34,386 monkeypox cases and 138 related deaths. The virus continues to circulate in 84 countries, predominantly in Africa, with 21 nations experiencing continuous monkeypox transmission over the past six weeks.
- Clado IIb: Present in West African countries
- Clado Ib: Present in East African countries
- Both Clados: Present in Central African countries
WHO’s Proactive Measures
In August 2022, Tedros extended the existing monkeypox recommendations to WHO member states for another year. This proactive step aimed to prevent and reduce the international spread of the virus.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that causes fever, rash, and swelling of the lymph nodes. It belongs to the same family as smallpox.
- Why did WHO declare an international health emergency? The declaration was made in response to monkeypox outbreaks, primarily in Africa, which posed a significant global health concern.
- What led to the termination of the emergency declaration? The WHO ended the international health emergency due to a sustained decrease in monkeypox cases and fatalities across affected countries.
- Does this mean monkeypox is no longer a threat? No, Tedros emphasized that monkeypox remains a continental threat in Africa, requiring ongoing surveillance and preparedness.
It primarily circulates in Central and West African countries, though non-endemic cases have been reported recently.
