WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak Emergency in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries an international health emergency, citing a need for substantial funds to combat the virus. The African CDC estimates that at least 10 million doses of mpox vaccines are necessary, but supply is currently very limited. The DRC has reported over 15,600 suspected mpox cases this year, with a significant proportion of infections occurring among children under 15. Vaccine donations from countries with stockpiles are crucial, yet the DRC has not formally requested these doses, delaying critical assistance. The emergence of a more dangerous strain, clade 1b, is raising alarm as it spreads rapidly and has caused a higher death rate compared to previous strains. Public health officials emphasize the urgent need for vaccines alongside effective public health campaigns to curb the outbreak.