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WHO Intensifies Efforts to Curb Mpox Resurgence in 2025

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an alert regarding the rising mpox outbreak, with 124,753 confirmed cases recorded across 128 countries as of January 2025. The revival of mpox (previously known as monkeypox) has put a significant strain on healthcare systems, notably in Africa, where 86.2% of new cases were reported in December 2024. The fast development of Clade Ib MPXV across East and Central Africa, combined with increased transmission in Kinshasa's sexual networks, highlights the critical need for increased surveillance, immunisations, and coordinated response measures.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the most severely affected country, with 14,530 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, followed by Burundi (3,116 cases) and Uganda (2,031 cases). Other impacted countries, like as Rwanda, Kenya, and Zambia, have observed an increase in cases caused by human-to-human transmission. Europe, North America, and Asia have reported travel-related cases, while China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and India have identified new outbreaks.

WHO, which first established its mpox surveillance platform in 2022, has expanded it in recognition of the critical need for real-time epidemiological data. The system now includes worldwide mpox indicator-based data, enabling for more accurate tracking of confirmed and probable cases. However, obstacles remain, particularly in Africa, where under-reporting and insufficient testing capacity impede effective outbreak monitoring. 

In response, WHO has increased its efforts to improve genomic sequencing, finding Clade Ia and Clade Ib MPXV strains as the primary variations causing outbreaks. There are more and more APOBEC3-driven mutations in Clade Ia MPXV, mainly in Kinshasa, which makes people worry about how they spread and how dangerous they are. Meanwhile, Clade Ib MPXV is spreading in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with no documented animal reservoirs, implying that transmission is entirely human-to-human. 

The WHO-Africa Regional Office has been working closely with impacted nations to standardise data collection and reporting procedures. However, disparities between regional and worldwide data persist due to differing reporting timelines. 

Vaccination remains a key component of the WHO's worldwide mpox response strategy. With the goal of protecting vulnerable groups and reducing transmission, the organisation has obtained more than 4.83 million vaccination doses for 2025. Nine countries have received the allocated doses, with six fully accepting them. However, ensuring equitable distribution remains difficult, with logistical constraints delaying vaccination rollouts in several countries. 

To speed up immunisation efforts, the WHO has provided technical assistance to high-burden countries, easing the execution of national vaccination strategies. Healthcare personnel, first responders, and vulnerable communities in Africa, where the outbreak is most severe, have initiated tailored vaccination efforts. However, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and logistical difficulties continue to impede widespread immunisation. 

In addition to vaccines, the World Health Organisation has emphasised the importance of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preventive treatment for individuals who are most vulnerable to infection. The organisation has asked governments to increase vaccine access while ensuring that supplies reach the most vulnerable people. 

Misinformation and stigma continue to be key impediments to mpox control, especially in areas where the disease is spread through the community. WHO has increased its risk communication initiatives, collaborating with governments and local organisations to provide correct information regarding mpox transmission and prevention. 

Public engagement activities have focused on dispelling stereotypes about the virus, particularly those related to sexual transmission. The WHO has worked with community leaders, healthcare personnel, and advocacy groups to promote behavioural interventions that lower transmission risks. Furthermore, the organisation has stressed the significance of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, such as adequate hygiene, isolation protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

The WHO's infodemic management technique has also been effective in countering disinformation. The organisation has used digital platforms to combat false narratives and ensure that communities have access to trustworthy, science-based information. 

With mpox cases increasing in key African nations, the WHO has prioritised the improvement of healthcare infrastructure. The organisation has deployed emergency response teams in high-burden areas to provide technical assistance with case management, diagnostic testing, and infection prevention. 

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both Clade Ia and Clade Ib MPXV strains are present. WHO has helped the Ministry of Health harmonise data sources and make lab tests more accurate. South Kivu, one of the most impacted provinces, has experienced an increase in suspected cases, with over 600 reported weekly, and WHO's assistance has been critical in enhancing disease surveillance and aiding early detection of new cases. 

WHO has been enhancing diagnostic capabilities in Uganda and Burundi to promptly identify and diagnose suspected cases. The organisation has also provided frontline healthcare workers with crucial medical supplies, such as antiviral medications and personal protective equipment (PPE). 

The WHO Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for mpox is the main plan for managing epidemics. It is made up of five pillars: emergency coordination, collaborative monitoring, community protection, safe and scalable care, and access to countermeasures. WHO's efforts aim to limit the outbreak and prevent it from spreading internationally. 

Despite the WHO's continued efforts to combat the reappearance of mpox, numerous key hurdles remain in the global fight against the illness. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of testing resources. Many places, notably in Africa, continue to experience diagnostic tool and facility shortages. This lack of adequate testing has contributed to the underreporting of cases, making it difficult for health officials to accurately determine the true scope of the outbreak and execute effective interventions. 

Compounding the problem is the enormous burden on healthcare systems, particularly in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. These countries are dealing with an unprecedented number of mpox cases, putting enormous strain on already frail healthcare infrastructures. Consequently, the strain on medical resources and the risk of burnout among healthcare staff complicate response efforts. 

In addition to these issues, vaccine delivery remains a significant barrier. While the WHO has obtained millions of vaccine doses to address the outbreak, getting these doses to the countries and populations most in need remains a logistical problem. Distribution delays, insufficient cold chain storage, and supply chain interruptions have hampered the timely distribution of vaccines to high-risk groups. 

Furthermore, the changing transmission dynamics of mpox raise significant issues. The rapid dissemination of Clade Ia MPXV, particularly across sexual networks, has generated concerns about shifting transmission mechanisms. This development necessitates a better understanding of the virus's behaviour and the execution of specialised methods to address these new patterns. 

Given these challenges, the WHO has recommended governments and international partners to increase their coordinated efforts to combat mpox. The organisation has emphasised the importance of enhanced financing, resource mobilisation, and cross-border collaboration in order to ensure a more coordinated and effective response. Only through these collaborative efforts can the global community hope to slow the spread of mpox and reduce its impact on public health. 

As the globe faces yet another public health disaster, WHO continues to lead the mpox response, working diligently to reduce outbreaks, support impacted communities, and prevent further transmission. Despite the advancements in surveillance, immunisation, and healthcare enhancement, sustained efforts are crucial to ensure long-term control. 

The coming months will be key in determining the course of the outbreak. WHO intends to stop the spread of mpox and protect public health on a worldwide scale through ongoing global cooperation, strategic intervention, and strong healthcare measures. 


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