In the latest pharma news, WHO declares the mpox outbreak in Africa a PHEIC due to a new strain’s spread. Learn about vaccine and global response efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Africa as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This urgent declaration follows the rapid spread of a new strain (clade) of the virus across the region, sparking global concern.
What is mPox?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus that causes smallpox. The disease was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is considered endemic in several countries across central and west Africa.
Mpox is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. Secondary human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions, or contaminated materials such as bedding. The disease is characterized by fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
While mpox symptoms often resemble those of smallpox, it is generally less severe. However, the disease can still lead to serious complications, particularly in children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. There is no specific treatment for mpox, but supportive care and symptomatic treatment can improve outcomes.
The Current Outbreak
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, announced that the recent surge of mpox cases in the DRC and other African countries meets the criteria for a PHEIC under international health regulations.
“The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its swift spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in neighboring countries are deeply concerning,” Dr. Tedros stated on August 14, 2024. “Alongside ongoing outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and elsewhere in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to halt these outbreaks and save lives.”
This outbreak is particularly alarming due to the emergence of Clade 1b, a new strain of the mpox virus that has been spreading primarily through sexual networks. This strain has been detected not only in the DRC but also in several neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which had not previously reported mpox cases.
Over the past month, more than 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of Clade 1b have been reported in these countries. However, experts believe the actual number of cases is much higher, as many clinically compatible cases have not been tested.
WHO’s Response and Call for Action
Dr. Tedros’s declaration of a PHEIC was based on the advice of WHO’s International Health Regulation Emergency Committee, composed of independent experts. The Committee convened earlier this week to review data from WHO and affected countries, concluding that the mpox upsurge constitutes a PHEIC with the potential to spread further across Africa and beyond.
This marks the second PHEIC related to mpox in the past two years. In July 2022, a multi-country outbreak of mpox was declared a PHEIC due to its rapid spread via sexual contact in regions where the virus had not previously been seen. That emergency was lifted in May 2023 after a sustained decline in global cases.
“The current rise in mpox cases in parts of Africa, coupled with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the virus, is a global emergency,” stated Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the IHR Committee, on August 14, 2024. “Mpox has long been neglected in Africa, and it is crucial to act now to prevent history from repeating itself.”
Mpox has been reported in the DRC for over a decade, with cases increasing steadily each year. According to WHO, the number of cases reported in 2024 has already surpassed last year’s total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths recorded. The rapid spread of Clade 1b, combined with the detection of cases in new regions, has been particularly alarming and is one of the main reasons for the PHEIC declaration.
Vaccine Access and Global Coordination
Currently, two vaccines are recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and have been approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities and individual countries, including Nigeria and the DRC. These vaccines have proven effective in preventing mpox, particularly when administered before exposure to the virus.
Last week, Dr. Tedros initiated the process for Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines. This process is designed to accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries that have not yet issued their own national regulatory approval. Emergency Use Listing also enables global health partnerships, such as Gavi and UNICEF, to procure vaccines for distribution.
WHO is actively collaborating with countries and vaccine manufacturers on potential vaccine donations. Additionally, the organization is coordinating with partners through the interim Medical Countermeasures Network to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other essential tools needed to combat the outbreak.
To support surveillance, preparedness, and response activities, WHO anticipates an immediate funding requirement of $15 million. A needs assessment is currently being conducted across WHO’s three levels to address the outbreak effectively and prevent further spread.
The declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency underscores the seriousness of the current situation. With the rapid spread of a new strain and increasing cases across Africa, WHO is calling for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreaks and protect lives. The global community must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that mpox is contained and that history does not repeat itself.
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