On August 5, 2024, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that an Emergency Committee meeting may be convened to reconsider the status of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its resurgence. The disease, which was previously classified as a PHEIC during its earlier outbreaks, has seen an alarming increase in cases globally, especially with the rise of the more virulent Clade 1b strain, known to be more aggressive than the previous Clade 2 strain.
Rising Mpox Cases:
The resurgence of Mpox is being closely monitored, with a significant increase in cases being reported across various countries. The more aggressive Clade 1b strain has been associated with this latest outbreak, sparking international concern about the disease’s potential to spread rapidly. Despite the earlier efforts that brought the disease under control, Mpox has re-emerged, prompting renewed discussions on whether it should be declared a global health emergency once again.
Public Health Response – Border Closures Not the Answer:
With concerns mounting, some have suggested implementing border closures to limit the spread of Mpox from affected regions. However, experts are cautioning against this approach. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that border closures alone are not sufficient to prevent the global spread of infectious diseases. In fact, Mpox may already be circulating in countries that have not yet reported cases, making border measures ineffective.
Strengthening Health Systems:
Experts emphasize that the key to managing Mpox’s resurgence is strengthening domestic health systems. Countries need to focus on improving surveillance, testing, and public health infrastructure to effectively manage outbreaks. Vigilance is crucial, but the priority must be on building robust internal response capabilities to contain and prevent further transmission of the disease.
Date: August 5, 2024
Location: Global
