GENEVA, Switzerland: The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially lifted the global health emergency status of the mpox outbreak, marking a major shift in the international response to the virus. The announcement was made by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, following recommendations from the Emergency Committee which noted a sustained drop in new infections across Central and East Africa.
The outbreak, initially declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024, had been driven by a more virulent strain of mpox that spread rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and later reached Burundi, Sierra Leone and Uganda. At its peak, the outbreak raised fears of global escalation and prompted urgent mobilization of health authorities worldwide.
Dr. Tedros, however, cautioned that lifting the highest alert level does not mean the threat is over. He stressed that WHO would continue to monitor the virus and support affected nations to ensure the gains made are not lost. “This is not the end of mpox, but it is a signal that the world has managed to bring the outbreak under greater control,” he said.
Despite the WHO’s decision, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) continues to treat mpox as a continental emergency. The agency has pointed out that countries including Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Liberia and Tanzania are still reporting sporadic surges, while new cases have also emerged in Malawi, Ethiopia, Senegal, Togo, Gambia and Mozambique. Experts fear that prematurely declaring victory could weaken global funding and lead to complacency.
Health analysts believe the decision represents a transition from crisis management to long-term control. However, they warn that under-resourced health systems in parts of Africa remain vulnerable, and international cooperation is still crucial to prevent a fresh resurgence.
The lifting of the global emergency is being viewed as a milestone in the battle against mpox, but the fight to fully eliminate risks posed by the virus is far from over. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this progress holds or whether the world will face another cycle of spread.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.