Global Emergency Declared for Mpox Outbreak in Africa

The World Health Organisation has announced a global emergency due to mpox outbreaks in Africa, with rising cases and deaths, especially in Congo. The Africa CDC reports over 14,000 cases and 524 fatalities this year. Limited vaccine availability raises concerns about further spread of the virus.

The World Health Organisation has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa a global emergency. The virus has affected children and adults in more than a dozen countries, with a new strain emerging. Vaccine supplies on the continent remain critically low.

In a statement earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labeled mpox outbreaks a public health emergency. Over 500 fatalities have been reported, prompting calls for international assistance to curb the virus' spread.

"This is something that should concern us all...The potential for further spread beyond Africa and beyond is very worrying," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Africa CDC noted that mpox cases have surged by 160% and deaths by 19% compared to last year, with 13 countries affected and Congo bearing the highest toll.

(With inputs from agencies.)