Inaugural Meeting of the Emergency Committee for the International Health Regulations (2005) concerning the outbreak of mpox in 2024

The outbreak of mpox, a viral disease characterized by skin lesions and fever, has been a cause for concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several other African countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its rapid spread and severe clinical presentation in affected individuals. The decision was made following a meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee on 14 August 2024.

The Committee, comprising experts in public health and infectious diseases, unanimously agreed that the ongoing upsurge of mpox met the criteria for a PHEIC. The outbreak, driven by two sub-clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has seen a significant increase in cases, particularly in the DRC where over 15,000 cases and 500 deaths have been reported. The emergence of a new strain, MPXV clade Ib, transmitted through sexual contact, has raised additional concerns about the spread of the disease.

During the meeting, representatives from affected countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, provided updates on the epidemiological situation and response efforts in their respective regions. Challenges such as limited access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments were highlighted, along with the need for enhanced surveillance and coordinated international cooperation.

In response to the outbreak, the WHO issued temporary recommendations to affected States Parties in addition to existing standing recommendations. These recommendations focus on emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, clinical care, vaccination, risk communication, community engagement, governance, financing, and research. They aim to enhance response efforts, prevent further spread of the disease, and protect at-risk populations.

The Committee emphasized the importance of coordinated international cooperation and the need for sustained efforts to control the spread of mpox. It called for increased funding, capacity-building, and research to address the evolving challenges posed by the outbreak. The implementation of both temporary and standing recommendations will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the disease and supporting affected communities.

In conclusion, the declaration of a PHEIC for the upsurge of mpox underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for a collaborative and proactive response. By following the WHO’s recommendations and working together, countries can effectively manage the outbreak, protect their populations, and prevent further spread of the disease.