WHO Targets Halting Mpox Outbreaks in Africa Within Six Months

The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to stop ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa within six months, with the first vaccine shipment expected in Congo soon. Despite rising infections, deaths remain low. WHO declared the outbreaks a global emergency earlier this month, pushing for a stronger global response, especially in hard-hit areas like Congo.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed optimism about halting the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa within the next six months, with an imminent shipment of vaccines to Congo. Currently, Africa has received only a small portion of the necessary vaccines to curb the virus, with Congo experiencing over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that collaborative efforts between governments and partners could stop the outbreaks. He noted that while mpox infections have surged recently, the death rate remains relatively low, with the newest version of the virus identified in multiple countries.

Declaring the mpox outbreaks a global emergency earlier this month, WHO aims to boost the global response. The organization is preparing to send about 230,000 vaccines to Congo and other affected regions while working on educational campaigns to raise awareness about preventing mpox transmission. However, limited vaccine supply and an incomplete understanding of mpox transmission pose significant challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)