WHO to Convene Emergency Committee for Mpox Outbreak in Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced plans to convene an emergency committee to determine if the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo qualifies as a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak has resulted in around 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths, primarily among children, since early 2023.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to convene an emergency committee to assess the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the meeting on Wednesday.

Since the beginning of 2023, the outbreak has resulted in approximately 27,000 cases and claimed over 1,100 lives, predominantly affecting children.

This decision comes amid growing concerns over the rapid spread and high mortality rate of the disease in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)