The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global health emergency for the second time in two years, citing the rapid spread of the virus across the world.
The declaration comes as cases of monkeypox continue to rise globally, with over 7,000 cases reported in more than 70 countries. The virus, which is typically found in Central and West Africa, has spread rapidly in recent months, prompting concerns of a global outbreak.
The WHO’s decision to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is a call to action for countries to take immediate measures to contain the spread of the virus. The declaration also enables the WHO to coordinate international responses to the outbreak and provide guidance to countries on how to manage the virus.
This is the second time in two years that the WHO has declared monkeypox a global health emergency. The first declaration was made in July 2022, but was lifted in May 2023 as cases declined. However, the recent surge in cases has prompted the WHO to redeclare the emergency.
The WHO has urged countries to increase surveillance, contact tracing, and testing to contain the spread of the virus. The organization has also recommended that countries vaccinate high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers and those with compromised immune systems.
The declaration of a global health emergency is a significant step in the global response to the monkeypox outbreak, and highlights the need for countries to work together to contain the spread of the virus.