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The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained its highest level of alert for the mpox outbreak, which continues to affect several countries in Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Nigeria. The outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest level of alarm under the International Health Regulations .
The mpox outbreak has been spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with over 38,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths reported this year. The outbreak has also affected neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with several cases reported in each country .
The WHO has allocated an initial 899,000 vaccine doses for nine countries in Africa that are hardest hit by the outbreak. The vaccine doses are being distributed to countries based on their epidemiological data and readiness to receive the vaccines .
The WHO has also recommended a phased vaccination strategy, which includes targeting high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers, frontline responders, and individuals with close physical contact, including sex workers and their clients . The organization has also emphasized the need for coordinated international action to support countries in bringing the outbreak under control.
