The World Health Organization has today declared that monkeypox formerly known as monkeypox, is no longer a global health emergency.
Cases of Mpox peaked in July last year and have been reported from countries where the disease is not endemic. Since August 2022 Mpox has been in decline, according to the WHO.
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According to WHO:
“Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral zoonotic infection, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from humans to other humans and from the environment to humans.”
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Speaking at a press conference today, Thursday 11 May, 2023, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared that there have been almost 90 per cent fewer cases in the last three months than in the three months prior.
“I am pleased to declare that the Mpox is no longer a global health emergency,” he said. “‘We now see steady progress in controlling the outbreak.”
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Recalled that on Wednesday 10 May 2023, the WHO’s emergency committee for mpox recommended the multi-country outbreak of the virus no longer represents a public health emergency of international concern.
Tedros said that the feared backlash on affected communities has largely not materialized and for that we should be thankful.
WHO however warned that fighting against the virus is not over, and it continues to pose “significant health challenges.”
