WHO Lifts Global Health Emergency Status for Mpox Outbreak in Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the mpox outbreak in Africa is no longer a global health emergency, though it emphasizes the threat persists and response efforts will continue.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared that the mpox outbreak in Africa is no longer considered a global health emergency.
- This decision, made by the WHO chief and an emergency panel, applies to the new form of mpox that emerged in early 2024 in Congo and neighboring African countries.
- The WHO had previously declared the mpox outbreak in Africa was no longer a global health emergency in August of last year.
- Despite lifting the emergency declaration, the WHO emphasizes that the threat is not over and the response efforts will continue.
- Mpox, a rare disease caused by a virus related to smallpox, will still be monitored by the WHO to ensure ongoing vigilance and support.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on the factual announcement from the WHO. They present information directly, providing context about the mpox outbreak, its different clades, and the reasons for the emergency declaration being lifted, without injecting editorial bias or loaded language.
"The World Health Organization no longer considers the mpox outbreak in Africa to be an international health emergency, the U.N. agency's director said Friday."
ABC News"The World Health Organization no longer considers the mpox outbreak in Africa to be an international health emergency, the U.N. agency’s director said Friday."
Associated PressArticles (3)
FAQ
The WHO lifted the global health emergency status for mpox because the outbreak is no longer considered to meet the criteria of a global health emergency, though the threat persists and response efforts will continue to focus on vigilance and control.
Yes, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and its Emergency Consultative Group have recommended that the mpox outbreak remain a continental health emergency to sustain political will, resources, and alertness, citing ongoing new cases and recent surges in several countries.
Surges of mpox have recently been reported in Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania, with new introductions of the virus also reported in Malawi, Ethiopia, Senegal, Togo, The Gambia, and Mozambique.
Ongoing measures include continued surveillance, vaccination efforts especially for high-risk groups including children under 12, rigorous investigation of mpox-related deaths, integrating response with other health emergencies, and strengthening coordination between countries and organizations like the Africa CDC and WHO.
Since the start of the outbreak, approximately 185,994 mpox cases have been reported in 29 African countries, with 51,969 confirmed cases and 1,987 related deaths recorded as of September 2025.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.