The World Health Organisation has declared a global emergency over the rising number of deaths related to the mpox virus.
The WHO has sounded the alarm to try and stop the spread of mpox from Africa to the rest of the world.
More than 500 people with the virus have died in Africa, with more than 14 thousand cases in 13 countries across the continent.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO, said the official declaration means they can respond quickly.
"In addition to other outbreaks of other clades of mpox in other parts of Africa, it's clear that a co-ordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives."
Mpox is a viral disease, with symptoms including a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease has symptoms similar to smallpox, although they're less severe.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said, “Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox.
"With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries bring the outbreaks to an end.”
"Today, the Emergency Committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice"-@DrTedros #mpox https://t.co/yy4JsGgUXy pic.twitter.com/MHx2caxAhd
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 14, 2024
In July 2022, the multi-country outbreak of mpox was declared a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' (PHEIC) as the virus spread rapidly via sexual contact across a range of countries where the virus had not been seen before.
That PHEIC was declared over in May 2023 after there had been a sustained decline in global cases.
Last week, the WHO Director-General triggered the process for Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines, which will speed up vaccine access for lower-income countries which have not yet issued their own national regulatory approval.
