The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the ongoing surge in mpox cases continues to qualify as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus made this statement following the fourth meeting of the IHR emergency committee on mpox, convened on June 5, 2025.
Dr. Ghebreyesus noted that the committee, while acknowledging improvements in response capabilities in some nations, advised that the outbreak remains a PHEIC due to the persistent increase in cases, particularly a recent spike in West Africa, and probable undetected transmission in countries outside Africa.
He highlighted ongoing difficulties in managing the outbreak, including limitations in surveillance, diagnostics, and funding, which complicate prioritizing response efforts and necessitate sustained international support.
Agreeing with the committee’s recommendation, Dr. Ghebreyesus issued updated temporary guidelines to assist member states with mpox outbreaks in preventing and controlling the disease’s spread. A comprehensive report from the June 5 meeting is expected to be released during the third week of June 2025.
The mpox outbreak, initially declared a PHEIC on August 14, 2024, due to its escalation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighboring countries, has prompted three additional committee meetings, each reaffirming the emergency status.
What you should know
The WHO has reaffirmed that the mpox outbreak, with rising cases in West Africa and potential undetected spread globally, remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as of June 5, 2025.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized challenges in surveillance, diagnostics, and funding, issuing new guidelines to curb the disease. This ongoing crisis, first declared a PHEIC in August 2024, underscores the need for international support, resonating with Nigeria’s public health and coordination challenges.
