The World Health Organization (WHO), known for its efforts in providing global health security, has recently reported that Mpox, earlier referred to as monkeypox, no longer poses a threat as a global health emergency. In addition, according to WHO’s latest announcement, Covid-19 too has been delisted from being “a global health emergency”.
Factors Leading to The De-escalation
The de-escalation of Mfox and Covid-19 was backed by the emergency committee established for Mpox. The committee came to this conclusion based on several factors like a drop in reported cases and an effective response from nations impacted by the virus. The panel recommended diminished concern since the outbreak no longer represents an international public health emergency.
All About Mpox
The Mpox virus was first unveiled in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkey colonies kept for research, hence named ‘monkeypox’. This viral zoonotic disease exhibits similar symptoms to smallpox, though less severe clinically.
Symptoms of Mpox
Individuals infected with Mpox primarily present a rash resembling chicken pox. However, additional symptoms like high fever, malaise, and headache from Monkeypox are usually more severe than those experienced in chicken pox infections. During its early onset, Monkeypox can be distinguished from smallpox due to enlarged lymph glands.
How Mpox Transmits
The primary infection mode is through direct contact with the infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or lesions on the skin or mucosa. Consumption of inadequately cooked meat from an infected animal also raises the risk of infection.
The Status of Mpox
Since its discovery, more than 87,000 cases of Mpox and 140 deaths have been reported across 111 countries. However, the past three months have seen nearly 90% fewer reported cases compared to the preceding three months.
Addressing Mpox: Treatment, Vaccination and Ongoing Challenges
Mpox is conventionally managed with supportive care. Therapeutics and vaccines initially developed for smallpox and approved in certain countries are now applicable under specific circumstances for Mpox. Despite the cessation of global health emergency status, Mpox still presents significant public health challenges, requiring a robust, proactive, and sustainable response to mitigate its lingering impact and prevent future flare-ups. Assuring access to tests, vaccines, and treatments for the most vulnerable demographic remains an essential part of the overall reaction against Mpox.
Review Questions from Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination
The 2020 examination included the question, “Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.” to provide students with a critical interpretation of WHO’s role during such health crises.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024