IndiGlobal Bureau
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Monkeypox as Global Health Emergency in wake of rising cases across the world. Previously this level of alert was sounded for Covid-19 and before that for Polio.
There have been more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox in more than 75 countries, and five deaths in Africa in 2022 alone and hence this decision by WHO. The rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak represents a global health emergency, the World Health Organization’s highest level of alert, stated, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a media briefing in Geneva.
An expert committee that met to discuss on monkeypox outbreak in various countries was divided on sounding highest level of alert with six in favour and nine against the decision. However, the final call on this crucial issue was made by WHO DG Dr Tedros, who used extraordinary powers vested with the his chair, to over rule the committe decision.
So in short, we have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little and which meets the criteria in the International Health Regulations, Dr Tedros said.
For all of these reasons, I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern, the WHO DG added. The label “public health emergency of international concern” is designed to sound an alarm that a coordinated international response is needed and could unlock funding and global efforts to collaborate on sharing vaccines and treatments.
