Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

PHE of International Concern

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Context:

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

Details:

An amount of US$ 15 million will be needed initially to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities.
WHO has released US$ 1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and may need to release more in the coming days.

What is Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

It is a formal declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding an extraordinary public health situation.
It is a mechanism established under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to address health risks that have the potential to cross borders and require a coordinated international response.

This definition implies a situation that is:

serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;
carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border; and
may require immediate international action.

About Mpox (Monkeypox):

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over a decade ago.
The disease has seen sporadic outbreaks in the past, but the recent surge in cases has raised global alarm.
In 2023, a new strain (clade 1b) emerged in the DRC, leading to a rapid increase in reported cases and fatalities.
Mpox is caused by an orthopoxvirus. It was first detected in humans in 1970 and is endemic to countries in central and west Africa.
The latest determination of a PHEIC for mpox is the second in two years.

READ IN DETAIL- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/mpox-virus

Reasons for the PHEIC Declaration: The WHO’s decision to declare mpox a PHEIC was driven by several factors:

Rapid Increase in Cases: There has been a substantial rise in mpox cases, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported as of August 2024.
Geographical Spread: Mpox has spread beyond the DRC to neighboring countries that had never reported cases before, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Underreporting: Experts believe the actual number of cases is higher due to underreporting. Many clinically compatible cases have not been tested.
Emergence of a New Strain: Clade 1b has shown a rapid spread, mainly through sexual networks, exacerbating the situation.

Implications of the PHEIC Declaration

Declaring mpox as a PHEIC has several implications:

International Coordination: It requires international collaboration to prevent and control the spread of the disease. This involves sharing information, resources, and strategies among affected and at-risk countries.
Resource Allocation: The declaration triggers the allocation of emergency funds and resources to manage the outbreak effectively.
Public Awareness: It raises global awareness about the disease, encouraging public health measures and personal preventive practices.
Vaccine Deployment: Currently, there are two vaccines in use for mpox. The declaration speeds up the distribution and administration of these vaccines to control the outbreak.

Conclusion

The declaration of a PHEIC is a critical tool in global health governance. It underscores the need for a swift, coordinated response to health crises that can transcend borders.
The case of mpox highlights the challenges and urgency associated with managing infectious diseases in a globally interconnected world.
By understanding and addressing these challenges, the international community can mitigate the impacts of such health emergencies more effectively.

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World Health Assembly

Reference:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about Mpox (Monkeypox):

Which of the above-given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a