WHO Chief Believes Mpox Outbreaks in Africa Could End in Six Months

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief expressed optimism that the current mpox outbreaks in Africa could be halted within six months. On Friday, he announced that the first batch of vaccines would soon be delivered to Congo. Africa has so far received only a small portion of the vaccines required to curb the virus's spread, particularly in Congo, which has over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "With the government's leadership and close cooperation between partners, we believe we can stop these outbreaks in the next six months." He mentioned that while mpox infections have surged recently, the number of deaths remains relatively low.

Mpox Outbreaks and Global Response

Earlier this month, WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency. This declaration aimed to prompt a strong global response to the disease, which had been spreading largely unnoticed for years on the continent, including in Nigeria. In May, scientists identified a new version of mpox in Congo that might be spreading more easily.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is related to smallpox but usually causes milder symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches. Severe cases can result in painful sores and blisters on the face, chest, hands, and genitals. The virus typically spreads through close skin-to-skin contact.

Vaccine Distribution and Awareness Campaigns

WHO estimated that approximately 230,000 vaccines could be sent "imminently" to Congo and other affected areas. The agency is also working on educational campaigns to inform people about how to prevent the spread of mpox in countries experiencing outbreaks. Maria Van Kerkhove, who leads WHO's epidemic and pandemic diseases department, said they are striving to speed up vaccine access for affected nations despite limited supplies.

Scientists have previously noted that without a better understanding of how mpox spreads in Africa, it may be challenging to determine the most effective use of the vaccines. Earlier this week, the head of Africa's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned that the continent hopes to receive about 380,000 doses of mpox vaccines promised by donors such as the U.S. and the European Union. This amount is less than 15% of what authorities say is needed to end the mpox outbreaks in Congo.

Current Mpox Cases and Efforts

Tedros also highlighted that there were 258 cases of the newest version of mpox with patients identified in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Sweden, and Thailand. Despite rising infections over recent weeks, deaths have remained relatively few.

The WHO's efforts include working closely with governments and partners to ensure effective vaccine distribution and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to educate people on how to avoid spreading mpox in regions with active outbreaks.

As WHO continues its efforts to manage the situation, it remains crucial for global cooperation and support to ensure adequate vaccine distribution and public education on preventive measures.