Inp.polri.go.id - Ankara. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a "public health emergency of international concern", the highest alert level under international health regulations, on Wednesday (14/8/2024). 

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the decision, aligning with the Africa CDC's recent declaration of a regional health emergency. 

He emphasized that the WHO will coordinate a global response, collaborate with affected nations, and deploy field resources to prevent further spread, treat infections, and save lives.

To fund this effort, WHO has developed a regional response plan requiring $15 million. They have already allocated $1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and will release more funds in the coming days. Additional support from donors is also being sought, according to antaranews.com.

Since early 2024, over a dozen African countries have reported Mpox cases, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for over 90% of them. Mpox presents with rash and flu-like symptoms.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)