AJK and its role in improving the well-being of communities. Public health is the foundation of a strong society, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and creating awareness about safe practices. In AJK, public health programs aim to ensure better access to healthcare facilities, vaccination drives, maternal and child health services, clean water, and sanitation improvements. Public Health AJK initiatives also emphasize training healthcare workers, strengthening health systems, and educating communities about nutrition and hygiene. By addressing both preventive and curative measures, these efforts help reduce disease burdens and improve the overall quality of life. With increasing challenges such as pandemics, malnutrition, and environmental health concerns, Public Health AJK continues to play a vital role in protecting families and building healthier futures for the region.
Mpox Declared a Global Health Emergency Again: What You Need to Know
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified the mpox outbreak as a global health emergency for the second time in two years. This designation highlights the seriousness of the situation and underscores the need for urgent international cooperation and support.
What Does a Global Health Emergency Mean?
A "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC) is the highest alert level issued by the WHO. It is declared when a disease exhibits unusual or rapid spread that warrants global attention and coordinated response efforts to contain it.
The recent WHO announcement follows a similar emergency declaration by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which occurred earlier this week.
Why Is Mpox an Emergency Again?
Mpox was initially declared an emergency by the WHO two years ago due to a significant global outbreak, particularly affecting men who have sex with men. The situation was controlled through changes in behavior, safe sex practices, and vaccination efforts, which significantly reduced the spread in many regions.
However, mpox has long been a concern in parts of Africa. The disease, which was first identified in Congo in 1970, has been causing intermittent outbreaks ever since.
The current outbreak in Congo is the most severe ever recorded, with over 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths since January 2023. The majority of these cases are among children. Mpox typically presents with flu-like symptoms and painful skin lesions. While it is often mild, it can be fatal, particularly for children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
Adding to the concern, Congo is experiencing two strains of mpox: the endemic variant and a new, more virulent offshoot. This new strain appears to be spreading rapidly, and little is known about its behavior. It spreads through close contact, including sexual contact and among children in displacement camps. The outbreak has now extended from eastern Congo to neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya.
What Are the Next Steps?
The emergency declarations are expected to accelerate efforts to deploy medical resources and funding to Congo. Improved surveillance is crucial for understanding the virus and curbing its spread.
In 2022, the WHO requested $34 million to address the mpox crisis, but there was limited donor response, and there was significant disparity in vaccine distribution. African countries have had limited access to the two vaccines available for global outbreaks, produced by Bavarian Nordic and KM Biologics. Although efforts are underway to address this, vaccine availability remains a challenge. The WHO has renewed its appeal for vaccine donations from countries with stockpiles.
The Africa CDC has a plan to secure vaccines, though details are sparse, and current supplies are limited.
Should You Be Concerned?
Mpox remains a serious health issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children. While it is not as easily transmitted as COVID-19—primarily spreading through close contact rather than airborne routes—effective prevention and treatment tools are available.
The current challenge is ensuring these tools reach the most affected areas in Congo and neighboring countries. The emergency declarations aim to draw attention to this urgent need and mobilize resources to combat the outbreak effectively.