WHO declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Wednesday the mpox outbreak in Africa to be a public health emergency of international concern, citing its continued spread and detection in several countries of the region.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement to media after convening a meeting with the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations. He had called for the meeting last week to discuss whether the situation on the ground warranted a declaration.