WHO Extends Mpox Emergency, Issues New Prevention Guidelines

Updated June ⁢10, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended the ‍public health emergency of international concern regarding the ⁢mpox outbreak.This decision follows the fourth meeting of ⁣the International Health Regulations‍ Emergency Committee, held june 5, 2025.

WHO Director-General expressed gratitude to‍ the committee and issued a revised set of temporary recommendations aimed at states experiencing monkeypox virus (MPXV) transmission.⁣ These recommendations supplement existing standing guidelines and align with the WHO strategic Framework for enhancing mpox prevention and⁢ control.

The temporary ‍recommendations emphasize several key⁤ areas⁣ for states parties experiencing mpox transmission, including⁢ sustained⁢ community transmission and clusters of cases.These areas include emergency coordination,collaborative surveillance,safe clinical care,international traffic,vaccination efforts,community protection,governance and financing,addressing research gaps,and reporting on the implementation of temporary recommendations.

The WHO urges countries to ⁣secure political commitment and resources for mpox prevention, enhance coordination among partners, and monitor the effectiveness of prevention measures. Surveillance ⁢efforts should be expanded with⁢ increased ⁢access to diagnostics and genomic sequencing. Contact tracing and thorough examination of cases and outbreaks are also crucial.

The recommendations also highlight the importance of providing clinical, nutritional, and psychosocial support for patients, especially vulnerable populations like children and peopel living with HIV. ⁣Strengthening healthcare worker capacity and adherence to infection prevention and control measures are essential.

Regarding international traffic, the WHO encourages cross-border collaboration for surveillance and management of ⁣suspected cases without imposing unnecessary travel and trade restrictions. Targeted vaccination strategies,particularly in high-risk groups,are also emphasized.

Community protection measures ⁣include strengthening risk interaction, addressing stigma and ‍discrimination, and promoting infection prevention in various settings. The WHO also calls for increased national funding and optimized resource allocation for mpox prevention and⁢ response activities.

Further research is needed to understand animal hosts ⁣and zoonotic spillover, as well as to strengthen ⁤genomic sequencing⁤ for better control measures. States are required to report quarterly to the WHO on the implementation of these temporary recommendations.

What’s next

The WHO will continue to monitor the mpox‍ situation globally and update itS guidance as needed, supporting countries in their efforts to prevent and control the spread of the disease.The organization plans to share the proceedings of the committee’s fourth meeting with states and publish them in the coming days.