WHO Hosts Critical Meeting on Global Equitable Access to Mpox Treatments

The WHO holds an emergency meeting to discuss fair access to mpox tests, treatments, and vaccines as the viral infection spreads. Key global health organizations aim to avoid past inequities faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting follows a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The World Health Organization convened an emergency meeting on Friday to strategize equitable global access to mpox tests, treatments, and vaccines. This development comes as the viral infection is on the rise in Africa and other regions.

Chairing the meeting, WHO special envoy Ayoade Alakija emphasized the importance of not repeating the inequities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The session was attended by global health agencies including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Following a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has now spread to nearby countries and even Sweden, the U.N. health agency declared a global health emergency for mpox this week. Alakija urged the global community to prioritize equal access to medical treatments in response to this crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)