Neglect Blamed for Growing Mpox Emergency

African scientists attribute the growing mpox outbreaks to decades of neglect and inadequate global response, resulting in a more transmissible virus variant. Dr. Dimie Ogoina of WHO's mpox emergency committee highlighted that the virus, which was mostly undetected in Africa for years, is now spreading through sexual transmission and close contact among vulnerable groups. The new strain, Clade 1b, has caused significant infections and deaths, particularly in Congo and other African countries. Patients, like Egide Irambona from Burundi, describe severe symptoms such as painful swollen lymph nodes and blisters, with hospitals struggling to manage the surge in cases. The WHO has declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern. Limited resources and testing capabilities are exacerbating the crisis, making it difficult to track and control the outbreak effectively.