Geneva: Almost 14 thousand confirmed cases of monkeypox have now been reported the World Health Organization this year, from more than 70 countries and territories. So far, five deaths have been reported, all in Africa.
Tomorrow, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee will reconvene to review the latest data, and to consider whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
“Regardless of the committee’s recommendation, WHO will continue to do everything we can to support countries to stop transmission and save lives,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters here today.
Most cases of monkeypox continue to be reported from Europe, primarily among men who have sex with men.
“Although we are seeing a declining trend in some countries, others are still seeing an increase, and six countries reported their first cases last week,” Dr Ghebreyesus said, adding that some of these countries have much less access to diagnostics and vaccines, making the outbreak harder to track, and harder to stop.
WHO said it is validating, procuring and shipping tests to multiple countries and will continue to provide support for expanded access to effective diagnostics.
“One of the most powerful tools we have against monkeypox is information. The more information people at risk of monkeypox have, the more they are able to protect themselves. That’s why WHO is continuing to work with patients and community advocates to develop and deliver information tailored to the affected communities, and more likely to be accepted and implemented,” Dr Ghebreyesus said.
This week, WHO updated its guidance for men who have sex with men, to include additional advice and information for the affected community.
– global bihari bureau
