WHO Aims to Curb Mpox Outbreaks in Africa Within Six Months; Vaccines to Arrive Soon

The WHO leader anticipates halting mpox outbreaks in Africa within six months, with the first vaccine shipment arriving in Congo soon. Africa's vaccine supply remains insufficient, with Congo severely affected. WHO is pushing for global action and increased vaccine access, especially given the recent uptick in cases and identification of a new variant.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates that the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa could be halted within the next six months. The agency's initial vaccine shipment is set to arrive in Congo shortly, where the outbreak has been particularly severe, with over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths.

'With governments' leadership and close cooperation between partners, we believe we can stop these outbreaks in the next six months,' stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press briefing.

Despite a rapid rise in mpox infections recently, fatalities have been relatively few. Tedros highlighted 258 cases of a new mpox variant in countries including Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya, among others. WHO declared the outbreaks a global emergency earlier this month to prompt a strong international response. Around 230,000 vaccines are expected to be sent to Africa imminently, but supply remains a significant challenge, especially in Congo where the need is dire. The agency is also focusing on educational campaigns to prevent spread.

(With inputs from agencies.)