WHO Declares End of Mpox as a Global Health Emergency

On 6th September 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that the spread of mpox (monkeypox) in Africa no longer represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), following the recommendation of its Emergency Committee.

Key Points

Decline in Cases and Deaths: Sustained reductions in infections and fatalities were observed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected countries including Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.
Improved Response Capacity: A better understanding of transmission drivers, risk factors, and enhanced national-level response mechanisms have contributed to this development.
Caution on Future Risks: WHO emphasized that lifting the global emergency does not mean the threat is eliminated, noting the Africa CDC’s stance that mpox remains a continental emergency.
Ongoing Concerns: Africa CDC highlighted new surges in Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania, even though overall weekly confirmed cases fell by 52%.
Vulnerable Populations: Continued surveillance and protection are essential for high-risk groups, particularly children and people living with HIV.
About Mpox: A viral zoonotic disease, mpox causes fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes. While most recover in weeks, severe illness and death can occur.
Global Spread: Since May 2022, more than 100 countries and regions have reported mpox cases, prompting WHO to declare it a PHEIC in August 2024.