The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the escalating mpox outbreak in Africa a global public health emergency, marking its highest level of alarm due to a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the virus’s spread to neighboring countries.

Following an urgent meeting of experts to assess the situation, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the decision, stating, “Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.”

A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is the most severe warning issued under the International Health Regulations, which are legally binding across 196 countries.

Tedros expressed grave concern over the rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its emergence in previously unaffected neighboring nations, and the potential for the virus to spread further both within Africa and globally.

“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives. This is something that should concern us all,” Tedros emphasized.