The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the Mpox outbreak will continue to be treated as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision, first declared in August 2024, comes after the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee reviewed the situation in June 2025.
Why WHO Extended the Emergency
The committee highlighted three major concerns:
- Sustained international spread – with at least 17 African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, still reporting active transmission.
- Emerging Mpox variants (clades) – raising fears of increased transmissibility.
- Limited vaccine access and funding gaps – leaving many vulnerable regions without adequate protection.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accepted the committee’s advice and extended temporary recommendations to strengthen global surveillance and response.
Global Risks and Next Steps
The outbreak demonstrates that no region is immune to Mpox. For instance, Australia recently confirmed a clade Ib case linked to travel from Thailand, showing how easily the virus crosses borders.
WHO is urging:
- Faster vaccine rollout in high-risk countries.
- Enhanced genomic tracking to monitor new variants.
- Integration of Mpox treatment into national health systems, especially in areas with high HIV co-infection.
- Community-based care models such as home treatment, to reduce pressure on hospitals.
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Source: Global Biodefense – WHO Confirms Ongoing Mpox Emergency Amid Rising Global Health Risks
