World Health Organization Announces Global Strategy to Combat Monkeypox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a global strategy to halt the spread of monkeypox, previously known as mpox. The strategy involves a "strategic vaccination" campaign and was announced on August 26.

Details of the Strategy

The United Nations health agency, which declared a global public health emergency two weeks prior, stated that the plan will span six months, from September 2024 to February 2025. The initiative will receive $135 million in funding. The "strategic vaccination" efforts will primarily target those at the highest risk, including close contacts of recent cases and healthcare workers, with the aim to interrupt transmission chains. The WHO plan will focus on implementing comprehensive surveillance, prevention, readiness, and response strategies. It will also aim to advance research and ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures like diagnostic tests and vaccines. The plan includes measures to minimize animal-to-human transmission and to empower communities to actively participate in outbreak prevention and control.

Concerns Over Virus Subvariant

Officials have expressed concern over a subvariant of the virus, which appears to spread more easily through routine close contact. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the monkeypox outbreak, which originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, can be controlled and stopped. However, this requires a comprehensive and coordinated plan of action involving international agencies, national and local partners, civil society, researchers, manufacturers, and Member States.

Increasing Cases Outside Africa

The Philippines has confirmed two more infections of the milder Clade II variety of the monkeypox virus, bringing the number of active cases to three. The country has had 12 laboratory-confirmed cases since July 2022. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported over 27,000 suspected monkeypox cases and more than 1,300 deaths since January 2023. Other countries outside Africa that have confirmed monkeypox cases recently include Sweden and Thailand.

WHO Assures No Lockdowns

A WHO official assured earlier in August that monkeypox would not lead to lockdowns, closures, or restrictions on other activities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also stated that monkeypox currently poses a low risk to the United States and that no cases of Clade I monkeypox have been found in the country.

Bottom Line

The World Health Organization's global strategy to combat monkeypox signifies a concerted effort to control and halt the spread of this disease. With strategic vaccinations and comprehensive surveillance, the WHO aims to prevent further transmission and protect those most at risk. What are your thoughts on this global strategy? Do you think it will be effective in controlling the spread of monkeypox? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.