‘Monkeypox is still circulating’: WHO urges vigilance amid spike in cases

Copenhagen: The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has launched a new campaign called “Eliminating mpox: putting affected populations at the center of our response” to highlight the potential risk of a significant monkeypox outbreak Have done Although mpox is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern, a recent report from WHO Europe shows a rise in cases, with eight countries in the European region reporting 17 new infections in the four weeks to 4 May.

The campaign, launched on Wednesday, is meant to be a pre-emptive measure for spring and summer events for potential outbreak triggers such as large gatherings, insufficient testing and access to the vaccine or an influx of infected individuals from other regions, Xinhua news agency reported. There is reaction.

Key recommendations for health officials include promoting accessible testing and vaccination in the most affected communities, with clear information on availability and eligibility.

Other measures include developing comprehensive vaccination plans, enhancing health worker skills to recognize mpox signs and providing appropriate advice and care, and declaring mpox a nationally notified disease to accelerate detection and efficient outbreak response. is included.

Richard Peabody, leader of the high-threat pathogen group at WHO Europe, stressed the importance of these measures.

“Complacency is not an option. Our latest mpox policy brief provides a roadmap for countries to control and eventually eliminate the disease in our region,” he said in a press statement.

WHO Europe said the campaign aims to provide a platform for the most vulnerable to share their experiences and insights.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans-Henry P. Kluge said he is optimistic about the potential impact of the campaign.

“Elimination is within our reach, but we must remember that mpox is still circulating. We must renew our collective efforts to stay on course toward eventual eradication.”

The initiative follows the successful management of the largest ever Mpox outbreak in the European region in 2022, which provided valuable insights and refined control measures for the disease, according to WHO Europe.