WHO to Hold Emergency Meeting on Mpox on November 22

The World Health Organization (WHO) will hold an emergency meeting on November 22 to discuss the ongoing concerns about mpox. The meeting aims to evaluate the current global situation, review response strategies, and address potential health risks. The outcome of this session will influence the WHO's approach to managing the spread of the disease and coordinating international public health measures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to convene its Emergency Committee next week to assess whether mpox remains a global health emergency. This meeting follows the decision in August to classify the disease as a public health emergency of international concern, marking the highest level of alert from the WHO. The classification was triggered by the spread of a new strain of the virus, known as clade Ib, which has affected multiple regions in Africa.

As of November 3, there have been 46,794 confirmed and suspected cases of mpox in Africa, with 1,081 deaths reported, according to the latest WHO data. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Uganda are among the most heavily impacted countries. Mpox, which primarily spreads through close physical contact, is typically a mild illness, but in rare instances, it can be fatal. The symptoms include flu-like manifestations and the appearance of pus-filled lesions on the body.

In response to the continuing spread of the disease, the WHO has allocated initial vaccine doses to nine African nations that are the hardest hit by the virus. The vaccines are part of a broader effort to curb the transmission of mpox and prevent further fatalities. The WHO's upcoming meeting aims to determine if the situation warrants ongoing emergency measures and what additional actions might be necessary to manage the outbreak effectively.

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Source: Reuters‍